IT ALL comes down to this – beat Mansfield Town on Sunday, and Newport County AFC will book a place in the play-off final at Wembley.

After a gritty 1-1 draw in the first leg at Rodney Parade on Thursday, County's promotion dream is still alive, and a Wembley appearance would be a just reward for a solid end to the season that saw Michael Flynn's men record six victories in an 10-game unbeaten run.

It was still a nervy end to the season, but home victories against Bury and Lincoln City – both of whom gained automatic promotion – followed by a further win over Oldham, ensured the Exiles went into that final-day match at Morecambe full of belief.

That all-important draw, sealed three minutes from time by Jamille Matt, confirmed seventh place and sent County fans into ecstasy. It was all a far cry from the crushing 6-0 defeat inflicted at Rodney Parade by lowly Yeovil Town back in September.

County went into Thursday's semi-final first-leg with a wave optimism caused by recent results. Fans who queued for tickets ahead of the game felt form, and momentum, would help them see off Mansfield.

But what emerged was a scrappy contest in which the Exiles struggled, in periods, to keep hold of the ball.

Mark O'Brien could have been sent off for taking out Stags striker Tyler Walker, but referee Charles Breakspear showed a yellow card.

Mansfield took the lead early but Exiles top-scorer Padraig Amond tapped home an equaliser after his penalty had been saved, and the match ended all-square.

In Nottinghamshire, local newspaper The Mansfield and Ashfield Chad said Stags manager David Flitcroft had been "furious" with the referee after some of the game's major decisions, chiefly the yellow card awarded to O'Brien, went against his side.

“It’s a clear sending-off, an easy one, and the referee has missed it," The Chad reported Flitcroft as saying.

He added: "I am gutted for the boys as they’ve fought and battled. They were passionate in their performance and their desire was incredible throughout the game."

Newport County v Mansfield Town kicks off at 6pm on Sunday at the One Call Stadium, and will be shown live on Sky Sports. Follow all the build-up and matchday action on the South Wales Argus website.