NEWPORT County AFC scrapped their way through to the second round of the FA Cup thanks to extra-time strikes from substitute Jordan Green, goal machine Josh Sheehan and Jazzi Barnum-Bobb.
Green poked home from close range after a scramble in the box in the 97th minute and then set up Sheehan to score his fourth goal in five games to break non-league Alfreton Town’s resistance.
Barnum-Bobb then clipped in the fourth to add a flourish to the scoreline but it was a night of frustration for the most part, particularly after the elation of Saturday’s superb 2-0 win over Carlisle United.
Westley’s side have prospered on the counter-attack as under-dogs against Accrington Stanley and Carlisle and they struggled to cope with the favourites tag here – just as they did in the 1-1 draw at Alfreton on November 6.
Rhys Healey had given the Exiles the lead on 69 minutes but the National League North side got the goal their dogged display deserved five minutes later with a fine diving header from Adam Priestley to force the extra half hour.
As Alfreton tired, County finally discovered their ruthless streak to earn a third successive win – the first time they have achieved that since January 2015 – and extend their unbeaten run to six matches in all competitions.
They also pocketed £18,000 in prize money and booked a second round trip to League Two leaders Plymouth Argyle next month – a tie that may well suit them much better.
The visitors were hit by injury and could only name three subs but they clearly came to have a go at County, dominating possession and territory in the opening five minutes.
But the first chance fell to the hosts as Healey played in Sheehan, or Sheerien as he was on the team sheet.
The midfielder saw his first effort blocked and his second saved by visiting goalkeeper Fabian Spiess.
The German stopper saved easily from Compton and was grateful to see a Darren Jones rocket just about clear his cross bar but he was in some difficulty when a Sheehan drive rebounded off his chest.
He recovered to keep out Jazzi Barnum-Bobb’s effort from the rebound before Westley opted for an early tactical change with youngster Finlay Wood replacing Compton, who was unwell.
The teenage midfielder had a chance to open his Exiles account just before half-time but he failed to connect properly with Dan Butler’s cross and Spiess again gathered comfortably.
There weren’t too many scares at the other end with Ryan Wilson sending one shot high and wide and Scot Bennett stopping Gibraltar international Priestley in his tracks with a well-timed tackle on the edge of the box.
The hosts forced a series of corners after the restart and Sheehan should have done better with a couple of opportunities on the volley.
Joe Day saved a tame effort from Priestley as the visitors grew in confidence and County continued to be frustrated at every turn, including some dubious decisions from referee Brett Huxtable.
The deadlock was finally broken by Healey with a scrappy goal as he curled in what looked like a cross that was missed by everyone and crept inside the far post.
The feeling of relief was palpable around Rodney Parade but it didn’t last long.
A swift Alfreton break saw Adam Smith’s cross from the right met with a powerful diving header by Priestley that gave Day no chance and the match was all square once again just five minutes after the opener.
As County pushed forward in search of a late winner they were leaving plenty of holes at the back and the non-leaguers began to believe they could cause an upset.
Substitute Green almost won it in the fourth and final minute of time added on but his 25-yard shot whistled past the post and the match went to extra-time.
The first period was lively as Ben Tozer saw a header cleared off the line by Kallam Mantack and Day saved at close range from Niall Heaton.
The visitors looked out on their feet at the end as Green pounced seven minutes into extra-time (above) and the sub then made the third for Sheehan before Barnum-Bobb added the fourth to settle matters after 117 minutes.
County: Day, Barnum-Bobb, Jones, Bennett, Butler, Compton (Wood, 36, Cameron, 109), Tozer, Sheehan, Rigg, Healey, Myrie-Williams (Green, 78)
Subs not used: Bittner, Angel, Touray
Booked: Sheehan
Referee: Brett Huxtable
Attendance: 1,189 (47 Alfreton)
Argus star man: Sheehan
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