EX-Newport County striker Julian Alsop continued his remarkable Football League renaissance with a sensational late equaliser for Cheltenham Town against Rotherham United on Saturday.

The Robins fell behind to an untidy goal in the first minute of stoppage time at the end of the opening half, but Alsop’s diving header from 18-year-old Theo Lewis’ superb cross earned a share of the spoils in the 85th minute.

The 36-year-old, pictured, left Spytty Park in the wake of Peter Beadle’s sacking in April 2008 and his career seemed to be winding down as he moved on to Cirencester Town and Bishops Cleeve.

But Cheltenham manager Martin Allen saw something in the 6ft 4in former Bristol Rovers and Swansea City frontman and gave him a second chance in the big time.

And born-again Alsop, in his second spell at Whaddon Road, has repaid his faith, scoring his second league strike in three starts on Saturday to take him to within one goal of Martin Devaney’s club record of 38 league goals.

Allen is delighted that his gamble has paid off and says it is only a matter of time before the big striker eclipses that total.

“I know he will get it and I gave him a squad number (39) with that target in mind,” Allen said.

“When it comes it will be special to all of us and I think he will end up getting 10 league goals, which will be a fantastic achievement for someone so fat.”

As County continue their excellent early season form, sitting in second place in the Blue Square South after Saturday’s heroic 1-0 win at Woking, it is hard to see Alsop being able to dislodge Craig Reid, Sam Foley or Dave Gilroy were he still at the club.

But ninth-placed Cheltenham have maintained their record as the only club in Coca-Cola League Two to have scored in every match this term and Alsop has been a key part of their success.

“Everyone loves Julian, but most people probably laugh at him too and I know I do. When he scored the goal it was magical and it is a fairytale,” added Allen. “In this job, with the budget I have you have to take gambles and he has made an impact this season.”

While Cheltenham travel to fifth-placed Aldershot on Saturday, Dean Holdsworth’s Exiles begin their FA Cup adventure with a second qualifying round tie at Clevedon Town of the Zamaretto League Premier Division.

Meanwhile Mansfield Town striker Jason Bradley, who ended his loan spell at Newport County last week, has joined Unibond League Premier Division club King's Lynn on loan for three months.