Newport shock Leeds as ‘spitting’ sparks melee
Newport County Shaughnessy 76 og, Mccoulsky 89 2 Leeds United Berardi 9 1 Att: 6,997
The glory went to Newport, the ignominy to Leeds who watched on in horror as Samuel Saiz was dismissed for spitting. Yes, this came straight from the FA Cup’s textbook of shock and controversy.
On a bobbly pitch in a small but packed stadium roaring on their League Two heroes to the euphoric conclusion, the South Wales side staged a dramatic late comeback to secure their first appearance in the fourth round in 39 years – and deserved nothing less.
Leeds deserved no more as they followed up last year’s defeat to Sutton United with another thirdround embarrassment. Thomas Christiansen made nine changes with an eye obviously on their push towards the Premier League.
Ironically, Saiz’s injury-time outburst – apparently directed at man of the match Robbie Willmott – could yet have a ruinous effect in that regard. Seen by many as Leeds’ most important player, the Spaniard will likely receive a threematch ban at least. “It would be a big problem for him,” Christiansen admitted after claiming not to have seen the incident.
Michael Flynn, the Newport manager whose legend continues to grow here after last season’s surboss vival, revealed he found optimism in the Leeds line-up. “I was pleased to see the selection. It did give me confidence,” he said, “but they were still Championship players. We had the better of the first half and did not stop believing. I want one of the big clubs away in the draw.”
For a long time, it seemed as if Christiansen’s gamble would pay off, but just when they had looked to have weathered the storm, Newport turned on the thunder with two goals in the final 14 pulsating minutes, substitute Shawn Mccoulsky heading the winner in the 89th minute.
The Bristol City loanee turned 21 on Saturday, and this was some manner in which to celebrate. “The
told me to go on and score,” he said. “What a weekend.”
Feel for Gaetano Berardi, though. This was set to be one of the veteran’s most memorable days. After 12 years and 259 games as a professional, more than 100 in a Leeds shirt, he finally scored. There was more than a suspicion of a deflection off team-mate Pierre-michel Lasogga as Berardi’s 30-yarder span into the corner of the net in the ninth minute, but nobody was daring to take the credit from the popular Swiss defender.
The goal’s worth became apparent with each passing Newport attack. Padraig Armond spurned a couple of chances, Frank Nouble almost equalised with a header and Joss Labadie was unable to keep down his effort when handed the freedom of the area. In the 76th minute, Nouble’s cross was deflected into the net by Conor Shaughnessy’s despairing left shin.
Newport then pressed on against the team 53 places above them, and Mccoulsky duly made it a famous afternoon in their history.