Mansfield 3 County 4 - Superb County stun hotly-tipped Mansfield (From South Wales Argus)

Mansfield 3 County 4 - Superb County stun hotly-tipped Mansfield

8:20pm Saturday 11th August 2012 in Sport

NEWPORT County AFC shocked promotion hopefuls Mansfield Town in a seven-goal thriller on the opening day of the season at Field Mill.

The Exiles, who lost 5-0 in the corresponding fixture last season, got their Blue Square Bet Premier season off to a flying start with three unexpected points.

First half goals from centre-backs Ismail Yakubu and Tony James gave Justin Edinburgh's side a 2-0 lead at the break.

The Stags fought back to 2-2 with goals from Jake Speight and former County player Matt Green.

But a header from striker Aaron O'Connor restored the lead and fellow front man Jefferson Louis made it 4-2 from Danny Crow's cross.

Speight grabbed his second to give the hosts hope late on but County held out for three precious points.

Nuneaton Town, who lost 5-4 at home to Ebbsfleet United, are the first league visitors to Rodney Parade on Tuesday night (kick-off 7.45pm).