Matty Dolan hunting 'historic' promotion with Newport County

The midfielder-turned-defender applied the killer blow for the Exiles in 2019 when he slotted the spot-kick that secured a trip to Wembley.

County were denied promotion to League One in controversial circumstances by Tranmere and hope to avoid another four-team tussle in May.

They head to Mansfield this evening chasing a win that would lift them to fifth in the table, a point back on the top three while also providing a cushion from the chasing pack.

Dolan will have some nice flashbacks when he looks towards the North Stand in Nottinghamshire, but then it's on to creating new highlights for the CV.

CLINCHER: Matty Dolan slots the penalty that earned County a win over Mansfield in the 2019 play-offs

"It's in the past. They are nice memories to have but I want to create more and a win on Friday night would be just as big for where we are going," said the 28-year-old, who also struck a late penalty to beat the Stags 2-1 at Rodney Parade in October.

"We've got eight games left and will leave everything out there and then you can look yourself in the mirror, whether we finish in the automatic promotion spots or the play-offs."

Dolan helped Yeovil go up to the Championship in 2013 now want to make his fourth campaign in Newport a memorable one, helping the club return to the third tier for the first time since 1987.

"It would be historic and we've had team meetings about doing something very special here," said the left-footer.

"We have done a lot of hard work to get to this point and don't want to let it fizzle out.

"You want to be a group of winners, you want to create some kind of legacy.

20.03.21 - Newport County v Leyton Orient - Sky Bet League 2 - Matthew Dolan of Newport County holds off Danny Johnson of Leyton Orient

"It's alright saying that we got to the play-off final and that we've had some brilliant FA Cup runs in the past but get automatic promotion or a play-off winners' medal and it can never be taken away.

"Whether the lads go on to do other things, in 10 to 15 years time you can stick that medal back on, walk around Newport and still look a million dollars.

"Those FA Cup accolades were a massive financial help to the club, and that's fantastic, but you want medals and success. We want to get Newport to League One and then go again from there."

Dolan is the leading candidate for County's player of the season award after being converted from midfield to the heart of the defence.

He might be a shock contender for the club's golden boot courtesy of six goals (five of them penalties) but it's his efforts at the other end that are the main source of pride.

03.10.20 - Newport County v Mansfield Town, Sky Bet League 2 - Jamie Reid of Mansfield Town and Matty Dolan of Newport County compete for the ball

"I've loved every minute of it," Dolan said about the move to defence. "We've got a good defensive record and that's something that prior to this season I wouldn't really look at.

"I've been very proud to get a clean sheet whereas before it would have been 'Well done 'OB' [Mark O'Brien], well done Mickey [Demetriou]'.

"This year I am absolutely buzzing when we get a clean sheet and that's a difference mindset.

"I've probably even been able to find myself in more progressive positions than I did in midfield; coming out with the ball you see a different picture."

County will hope for another strong Dolan display at both ends.