Newport 2 Harrogate 1: Brandon Cooper wins it at the death

The Exiles looked set for a frustrating afternoon at Rodney Parade until the Swansea City loanee, who said in the pre-match press conference that he wanted to be a defensive goal threat like Sergio Ramos and John Terry, nodded home from a whipped Scott Twine corner with three minutes left.

Padraig Amond had put County in front with a wonderful team goal after half an hour and things were looking good when the visitors were reduced to 10 men after captain Josh Falkingham picked up a second booking.

However, the League Two new boys responded with spirit to go into half-time level thanks to Will Smith’s goal from a corner.

Harrogate had chances to get their noses in front despite their numerical disadvantage and paid the price after late pressure.

The Exiles struck late, just as they did against Colchester on Tuesday, and Cambridge’s defeat at Crawley means they are now five points clear at the head of the table.

Flynn had planned to once again stick with a winning team – perhaps next weekend’s trip to Leyton Orient is the time for tinkering – after the late success against Colchester.

However, Matty Dolan was a late withdrawal with Scot Bennett promoted to the heart of the defence and Bradley Webb among the substitutes.

The Bristol City prospect joined fellow loanee Jamie Devitt on the bench, with the attacking midfielder getting a first taste of a matchday after starting life as an Exile in self-isolation courtesy of coming into contact with an individual that tested positive for coronavirus.

County, who had been slick from the start against Colchester, took time to work their way into the game in challenging conditions.

That it wasn’t quite happening for the hosts was credit to the hard work of the visitors, who were well-drilled and energetic.

Tristan Abrahams had a half chance when he instinctively side-footed wide from the penalty spot after a poor shot by Scott Twine after 15 minutes.

The roles were soon reversed with Abrahams’ cross from the left cleared straight to Twine, who should have shot but instead tried to beat his man only to take a heavy touch.

It then took a terrific save to his left by Harrogate ‘keeper James Belshaw to deny Amond after the striker had opened up his body from Abrahams’ ball.

The openings showed that County were clicking into gear and they were in front after half an hour with a sensational goal to rival Twine’s recent wonder strikes.

Joss Labadie put in a peach of a pass to Liam Shephard down the right, he pinged in allow cross and Amond calmly slotted home first time. Simple but brilliant.

The Exiles were in front and soon they were playing 10 men.

Harrogate captain Falkingham had earlier been booked for a crude aerial challenge on Twine and he was show a second yellow after going down in the box when expecting a challenge from Haynes.

Referee Paul Howard didn’t point to the spot, instead he reached for his pocket for both his cards.

But the 10 men went into the break on level terms after a corner from the right was nodded down by Dan Jones and Will Smith slotted from close range.

County started the second half on the front foot but failed to conjure any openings and Flynn turned to his bench approaching the hour, bringing on Jamie Proctor for Abrahams up front and Robbie Willmott for Shephard down the right.

Harrogate still posed a threat with Lloyd Kerry firing wide under pressure after a nice move before Proctor tested Belshaw’s handling with a nice turn and shot.

The visitors had the ball in the net after a free-kick into the box was bundled home by Aaron Martin only for the striker to be denied by a flag for offside.

It should have been 2-1 to the men in blue after 67 minutes after good work by Jack Muldoon only for George Thomson to miss the target from a central position in the box.

The Exiles started to build pressure as the clock ticked down without seriously testing Belshaw and Flynn called creative Devitt into action for Bennett with 10 minutes remaining.

Yet it was a defender who proved to be the attacking hero as County ground out three more precious points.

County: Townsend, Cooper, Bennett (Devitt 80), Demetriou, Shephard (Willmott 59), Haynes, Sheehan, Labadie (captain), Twine, Amond (Proctor 59), Abrahams.

Substitutes: King, Baker, Webb, Ellison.

Goals: Amond, Cooper

Harrogate: Belshaw, Jones, Falkingham (captain), Smith, Burrell, Thomson, Martin, Kiernan, Kerry, Muldon, Hall.

Substitutes: Beck, Cracknell, Kirby, Stead, Walker, Lokko.

Yellow cards: Kerry, Falkingham, Jones Red card: Falkingham

Goals: Smith

Referee: Paul Howard