NEWPORT County AFC’s Kevin Ellison wasted no time in sticking the boot into Swindon’s Harry McKirdy after the former Exiles loanee’s costly penalty miss in the League Two play-offs.

Port Vale will head to Wembley to face Mansfield for the final promotion spot next Saturday after edging out the Robins from the spot.

They won a shootout 6-5 with McKirdy firing a wild effort over the bar before Josh Davisonsaw his effort to win the game saved, then Ellis Iandolo missed the target.

Earlier this season Ellison called the 25-year-old 'mouthy' – using more Scouse phrase – after the Swindon man posted a picture of the pair in November’s EFL Trophy clash with the caption "Harry Potter running away from Voldemort".

The 43-year-old, who is in talks with the Exiles about a coaching role at Rodney Parade, took to social media after the skied spot-kick in the Potteries.

“What you saying McKirdy? #karma,” he posted, mocking the ballooned penalty and getting plenty of positive reactions from his County teammates.

The outspoken Swindon striker had a brief spell on loan in Newport in 2019, making 13 appearances (two starts) and scoring one goal.

South Wales Argus: DESPAIR: Swindon will remain in League TwoDESPAIR: Swindon will remain in League Two

Sadly, McKirdy & Co were targeted by Vale fans after they stormed the pitch to celebrate their success.

Swindon boss Ben Garner revealed: “My players have been physically and verbally abused after the game, it’s absolutely disgusting.

“It’s disappointing what they’ve had to put up with coming off that pitch.”

“I’ve seen (it) in some of the other play-off games. I don’t know where we’re going to as a country, but it’s absolutely disgusting.

“To lose like that was really cruel. But the way they’ve conducted themselves, the effort they’ve put in, I’m so proud of all my players.”

Swindon’s loss means that County fans will have at least one relatively short trip next season after Forest Green, Exeter and Bristol Rovers were promoted.

The clubs will also boost each other’s coffers after away allocations were sold out for the fixtures this season, which both ended with the travelling contingent toasting dramatic late wins.

The final two spots in League Two will be decided in the coming weeks with Crewe, AFC Wimbledon, Gillingham and Doncaster heading down from League One.

Either Vale or Mansfield will remain in the fourth tier while Stockport are coming up from the National League with Wrexham joined by Solihull Moors, Halifax, Notts County, Grimsby and Chesterfield in the play-offs.