Why does Lionel Messi want to leave Barcelona?

Lionel Messi’s hand met his face. His Barcelona teammate Philippe Coutinho had just scored Bayern Munich’s eighth goal in the quarter-final of the Champions League against his parent club. Eighth goal. There was no hiding. The final nail in Barcelona’s coffin. The goal that signified the end of an era and confirmed the demise of Blaugrana.

The 2019/20 season saw the stitches holding the club together rip away, exposing everything that contributed to the club’s malfunction – on the surface and beyond.

In their last two matches before the lockdown of La Liga, white flags were waved in opposition to chairman Josep Bartomeu; neither Ernesto Valverde or Quique Setien were enough; the team earned no silverware and perhaps the most significant of the long list of problems, La Pulga wants out.

Although Barca finished the season just five points behind biggest rivals Real Madrid and sat a comfortable 12 points ahead of Atletico Madrid in third, coming second in La Liga is no achievement for the Catalonian giants.

Valverde’s men were just 11 games in by the time they had managed to wrack up as many losses as they had in the entire 2018/19 season and Setien’s arrival in January changed nothing.

In typical fashion, Barca advanced to the quarter-final of the Copa del Rey with a dominant 5-0 win over Leganes, but despite the club’s history in this competition having won the cup 30 times, failure was seemingly inescapable.

Victory over the team they lost to in their opening game of the season would place the club in a familiar setting: the semi-final of La Copa. However, their second defeat at the hands of Athletic Club saw their chances of winning a trophy begin to dwindle. 

A 3-2 loss to Atletico Madrid made the Supercopa de Espana the second trophy of the season that Barca handed over to subsequent winners Real Madrid, meaning the Champions League was a last-gasp attempt at redemption.

After throwing away a 4-1 win at Camp Nou to lose 3-0 in Rome in the 2018 Champions League quarter-final, Messi vowed that this could not happen again. The Argentine warned in his last words before stepping out onto the Anfield grass a year later: “Let’s remember: Rome was our fault, no one else’s. Don’t let the same thing happen.”

Many believed that a 3-0 lead made the final inevitable, there wasn’t a chance that the horror of Rome would repeat itself, but Divock Origi re-wrote the narrative by scoring his team’s fourth goal to break Blaugrana. 

Bayern Munich 2020 didn’t follow a pattern; it was incomparable. The Bundesliga winners were ruthless and posed a solid argument for why the masses believe they are currently the best team in the world, but even so… this was Barcelona – mes que un club.

Mes que un club | Awesome stadium. | Stanley Wood | Flickr

The fate of Setien’s men and reputation of the footballing giants lay in the hands of Coutinho. A player whose experience at the club divulges all that is wrong. Their wasted, most expensive player assisted Bayern’s sixth goal and scored their seventh and eighth dropping Barca to rock bottom.

The concept that anything can happen in the Champions League was elevated to a new level as millions watched the 8-2 thrashing of Barcelona in Lisbon, the club’s worst defeat for almost 80 years. It’s a game that will never be forgotten. 

“It’s a shame, I can’t say anything else. It’s not the first or second time. The club needs changes of all kinds. If I have to leave for new blood to come, I will leave,” said an emotional Gerard Pique after the game. Words of a player that is desperate for improvement.

Bartomeu called an emergency board meeting with the outcome bringing forward the club’s presidential elections from next summer to March 2021, with the Catalonian native unable to stand having already served two terms in charge.

Currently still at the helm, the chairman appointed former player Ronald Koeman for his dream job as head coach of Barcelona. He faces not only a huge rebuilding job, but boosting the morale of an outraged fanbase.

And yet, the fear of Messi leaving his beloved Barcelona only grows. Sending a fax to the club on Tuesday wishing to exercise a clause in his contract allowing him to leave for free immediately, La Pulga confirms his desire for something new.

Keanu Marsh-Brown: “Football is so short, you might as well jump at it”

“Keep following your dream and enjoying football. Make sure you always enjoy it,” said Thierry Henry, advice that was gold dust to any aspiring footballer. As the French legend stood in front of a bright group of talented youngsters in Arsenal’s academy, a shining star sat among them, Keanu Marsh-Brown.

His calm and affable demeanour belies the strong, ruthless player he can become on the pitch. A family man playing across the pond for USL Championship club Memphis 901, this strength of character is being tested 4,000 miles away from his fiance and daughter.

“I’ve only been away a few weeks,” says Marsh-Brown. “But it feels like in those weeks she’s learned how to speak, say “daddy” and do loads of things, so it feels like I haven’t seen her in ages.”

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Keanu Marsh-Brown during pre-season training at new club Memphis 901.

In that time, the winger has adjusted to life in the states. His London accent still present, Marsh-Brown laughs before he lists the differences between his hometown and the largest city on the Mississippi River.

“Where do I start? They speak differently over here, the food’s different, the time zone. In London, it’s faster. Everyone over here is more chilled and relaxed. 

“I’d say they’re more friendly over here. In America, people go out of their way to help you or ask if you’re okay – in the environment I’m in now, anyway.”

Brimming with talent and moving through a number of top academies, the young goalscorer signed his first professional contract at Fulham in the summer of 2009. After a sudden call-up to the first team, Marsh-Brown found himself on the bench against Juventus on one of the best nights in the Cottagers’ history.

The 27-year-old floated through the EFL in the next period of his career. With some impressive name drops up his sleeve, his former manager at Barnet F.C., Edgar Davids, is a friend he talks about with unlimited praise.

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“He got the best out of me and because he was a player at such a high level, he just understood everything,” he says. 

“He wasn’t for everyone, but he understood me. Maybe it was because I was an attacking player, I liked to dribble at people and take chances. He gave me free reign and I played my best football there.”

After two years of trying, Forest Green Rovers got their hands on a sought after Marsh-Brown in 2015. His work rate and attacking presence sparked supporters to fall in love with him and the feeling was mutual. That thunderous strike against Grimsby in the 2016 National League Play-Off Final is one that will be forever etched in the minds of many football fans. 

“I scored a lot of important goals. I scored again in the semi-final of the play-offs to get us to the final and then we won. That’s up there with one of the best feelings,” he reminisces.

“I always say that FGR is one of the clubs that I’ve got a lot of time for and a lot of love for.

“The fans backed me from day one until the day I left. They would always scream my name, even if I wasn’t on the pitch or wasn’t at the stadium, so I know I’ve always got love from those fans.”

During a troubled spell a few years later at Newport County, Marsh-Brown found his silver lining: a call-up to represent the Guyana national team in its first appearance in the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

“It’s been the best. I think it tops everything. When we went in March and qualified for the Gold Cup, going to that with my brother as well – it was just the best experience ever.”

Needless to say, Marsh-Brown is used to performing under the glistening lights on many famous stages, which will be no different in the USA. In a city full of history, Memphis 901 is a new venture for the Home of the Blues and despite its infancy, an impressive crowd of 7,000 will be spectating the Englishman’s flair.

“I was speaking to Tim Howard from the beginning of December to the day I signed, so he was a big reason why I came out here. He just sold me the club.

“Pre-season has been good. We did some testing, basic stuff you do when you join a new club. We’ve been doing a lot of ball work, pattern of play. It’s a new squad so we’re just trying to gel together, get that identity and look forward to the season.”

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Preparation is underway for the season opener at AutoZone Park.

Upon reflection, it’s apparent Marsh-Brown has heeded the early advice from Henry. 

“It was just a fresh start, a different experience, something new. I think if these chances in life come up, because football is so short, you might as well just jump at it because you’ll be thinking in 5/6 years when you retire ‘why didn’t I go and play over there and just see how it was?’

“I’m enjoying it.”

 

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My failed trip to Bradford City’s Valley Parade as a Newport County fan

460 miles, 16 hours and one disheartening goal briefly summarises my trip to Valley Parade as a Newport County fan.

Upon arrival at the biggest ground in League Two, the unforgettable history held by the home of Bradford City Football Club is immediately at the forefront of my mind, yet in the midst of tightly wrapped scarves and the ring of friendly northern accents, the atmosphere is calm. There is over an hour until kick-off.

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At 6:00am on December 7 my ears are filled with the daunting chime of the iPhone alarm. I have 45 minutes to throw on as many layers of clothing as possible and take a 15 minute drive to Morrisons.

I stand chatting with fellow supporters in the supermarket car park, as we prepare ourselves for a four hour trip to northern England to watch our beloved Exiles. Yawns on the coach are masked by the cracking open of beer and cider cans and the scrunching of crisp packets. Conversations grow as the sun rises. 

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Just five miles outside of Bradford, an uneasy crunch echoes through the coach – the gearbox is broken. Overjoyed with the idea of the final half-an-hour of a long ride, we are immediately faced with the reality of a two hour walk and missing kick-off.

We sit on a stationary coach waiting for news from members of the Newport County Supporters Trust. As the driver tries his best to get us moving, one thing is certain in my mind, we are not budging.

 

Eventually, taxis arrive to ferry groups of us to Valley Parade from the side of a random road in West Yorkshire and we finally make it.

25,136 claret and amber seats overwhelm me as I climb the steep concrete steps of the infamously named Mamma Mia Stand. The bitter wind forces me to shiver as I take my seat.

A Robbie Willmott injury, a poor performance and a subsequent 1-0 loss only make the day worse. I am ready to go home as the stands empty, leaving frustrated Newportonian voices the only thing that can be heard. We are told police will escort us to a nearby pub to wait for our replacement coaches. 

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A floodlit Valley Parade empties under as I wait for direction.

As I send texts to my parents, updating them that I am still sitting in an unfamiliar pub in Bradford, we receive the news we have been waiting an hour and a half for: our coaches are outside. The fatigue we are all feeling conceals the rush to get onboard.

We reach the services at 10:00pm and food is the only thing occupying my thoughts. I finish yawning over my McDonald’s, feeling full and ready to get back to Newport. The green barriers of the Prince of Wales bridge are highlighted by the coach’s headlights. There is always an indescribable feeling of comfort knowing you’re back in South Wales.

The coach comes to a halt in the same car park my journey began, the rain is bouncing off the tarmac. I step through my door at 00:16am the next day and to say the least, I am glad. Perhaps the strangest realisation is that I am also glad I went.

Experiences like this for a football fan make the good times feel even better. 

 

Why does UEFA Euro 2020 mean so much to Wales?

As a 17-year-old Pele performed an enchanting turn and tapped the ball home to become the youngest World Cup goalscorer, 25,923 people in Nya Ullevi witnessed Wales’ closing moments of the football team’s greatest triumph. 

It was the quarter-final of Wales’ first and only World Cup campaign in 1958 – the golden age of Welsh football. The country’s qualification for the finals didn’t follow the beaten track due to the intervention of Middle Eastern politics, yet Jimmy Murphy’s side found themselves lining up to face Brazil on the world stage and no one could deny them a thing. 

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The years followed, as did many major international tournaments, but there was never a team assembled that could live up to the expectation of that glorious 1950s era. Until 2016, the year that signified the resurgence of Welsh football.

A patriotic Chris Coleman propelled his squad into 8th position in the world FIFA rankings. Then, with ability, belief and unwavering passion, the Swansea born manager marched an entire nation as proud as the dragon on its flag to UEFA Euro 2016. 

Despite having never played in a Euros tournament, the hope of the Welsh never diminished. After topping Group B with six points, Northern Ireland fell victim to the momentum that Wales utilised. European giants Belgium were next, but proved to be nothing that a Cruyff turn and magical finish from Hal Robson-Kanu couldn’t handle.

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A 2-0 loss to subsequent winners Portugal saw Wales’ Euros campaign draw to a close. It was back to Cardiff for Coleman and his men, but there was not an ounce of disappointment in the sea of red that welcomed a group of heroes back to the capital.

“Ah, June and July 2016,” sighs patriotic Wales fan Marc Peplow in reminiscence of that memorable summer. “If you gave me the opportunity to use a time machine right now, that is where I’d go – to relive the absolute utopia that was Wales whilst we played in the Euros.

“Wales were the ones to watch, every game, every round. How we celebrated was champion-like all around the country. I won’t lie, I cried. I’ve never felt more patriotic and I’ve never felt more proud to be from our little but outstanding country – Wales.”

But, it wasn’t plain sailing after 2016. Qualifications for the 2018 World Cup came around quickly and there was an unfamiliar expectancy for Wales to do well in the beautiful game’s biggest competition. This was a position that the country could have only dreamed of being in just 3 years prior.

Following a successful run of games, beating the Republic of Ireland was the final step. The stage was set, as 30,000 fans packed out Cardiff City Stadium in the hope of making it to Russia. In the 57th minute James McClean fired a half volley into the back of the net. Chants of “don’t take me home” were buried in the home end as a wave of green hit the roof. The winger had single-handedly destroyed Wales’ World Cup dream.

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Coleman then resigned in November 2017 to undertake a new endeavour at Sunderland. A feeling of uncertainty filled the country – the hero had left. The managerial role was vacant for two weeks, as rumours swirled about who would fill the empty space. The answer was Ryan Giggs.

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Wales’ performances in the China Cup and Nations League that followed weren’t convincing. Qualification for Euro 2020 should not have been a big ask, but circumstances had changed. Giggs had, so far, failed to gain the confidence of supporters.

But time waits for no one and Wales’ Euro 2020 qualifying campaign began. A mixed bag of results in the first five games provided no reassurance. The next game proved to be a pivotal moment in the campaign. It looked as if it wasn’t meant to be until the boys in red managed a 1-1 draw against a fearsome Croatia side.

Securing a confident 2-0 away victory over Azerbaijan, Wales found themselves in a well-known place – it was down to the final game. Hungary had to leave South Wales defeated for the home team to qualify. The Welsh filled Cardiff City Stadium yet again, ‘Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau’ was simply breathtaking.

Two goals from a returning Aaron Ramsey sent Wales to their third ever major tournament. The roar bellowed around the entire country, as the team charged hand in hand at their supporters, grateful for every word they sang. Ryan Giggs had done it. 

“Who knows what the Euros will bring?” Marc adds. “All I know is, Wales won’t be shadowed and Wales will be proud. Always.”

 

The Day I Met Harry Redknapp

His charm, wit and adoration for his childhood sweetheart (and jam roly poly) are just a handful of reasons why 11 million people tuned in to watch Harry Redknapp crowned King of popular TV show ‘I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here’ in 2018. However, like myself, many people remember him for being the Tottenham Hotspur manager that made Luca Modric a central midfielder so that he could make room for Gareth Bale on the left wing; the man that transformed Portsmouth into FA Cup winners in 2008 and even managed the Jordan national team for two games.

 

When I was told that one of the most iconic managers in British football history was visiting the university I attend, nothing was going to stop me from being there – not even public transport and, believe me, it tried…

 

Three cancelled trains just to make the direct, hour long journey from Newport to Cheltenham, yet not a question in my mind whether it was worth it or not. My plan to be early by catching a 9:59am train came to a halt when not leaving south Wales until 10:59am happened to be my reality. The rushed walk from Cheltenham Spa station to Park Campus was not pleasurable, to say the least, but I made it.

 

I sat in the university’s refectory for a minute to cool down and compose myself before taking my seat ready for Harry Redknapp’s press conference that was to be conducted by Journalism students at the University of Gloucestershire. We were asked to fill up the lecture hall from the front row, which wasn’t an issue with me – I had the perfect seat.

 

A seldom silence filled the hall when a smiley, well-dressed Harry Redknapp entered and took his seat in preparation to narrate a plethora of his incredible stories. This was an opportunity that, as a young sports journalist, I couldn’t quite believe I was presented with. I relished every second.

 

I could have listened to Redknapp talk all day. As football fans, we hear so many stories and are the first people to provide an opinion, but to hear the Englishman talk so openly about topics from Bournemouth to Gareth Southgate, was special. He offered knowledge and passion that made me attentive to every word.

 

After a number of captivating tales and jokes in abundance, Redknapp took the time to shake everyone’s hand, hold conversations with individual students and take a memorable group photo.

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Despite notable name drops such as Bobby Moore, Sir Alex Ferguson and even Paolo di Canio, I was in awe of how down to Earth Harry really was: a genuine family man who is completely in love with football, that I had the pleasure of meeting.

 

An hour-long wait at a cold train station undoubtedly was not the highlight of my day.

Newport County 1-2 Salford City: Exiles’ unbeaten home run comes to an end

A penalty miss from Tristan Abrahams in the 80th minute ensured Salford’s 2-1 win at Rodney Parade and ended Newport County’s 16-match unbeaten home run in League Two.

 

The Lions scored all three goals at a wet and windy Rodney Parade and claimed victory thanks to a headed goal from Cameron Burgess and Jake Jervis’ winner after an own goal from Nathan Pond.

 

County hadn’t lost on home soil since February before this weekend’s visit from newly-promoted Salford and Michael Flynn made three changes to his side going into this fixture after last week’s 3-1 loss at Colchester.

 

Taylor Maloney made his first start as he came in for Danny McNamara; Matty Dolan replaced George Nurse in midfield and Jamille Matt started ahead of Tristan Abrahams, who later failed to equalise from the spot.

 

The Exiles started confidently and a superb ball from star-man Josh Sheehan found Ryan Haynes on the right wing who had a shot at goal using his weak foot, but Salford’s Oscar Threlkeld just about cleared with his head.

 

Matt later played a calm ball over to Robbie Willmott on the left wing who sent a looping cross into the box and after good link up play between Dolan and Haynes, the ball floated over to Padraig Amond who headed just wide of goal.

 

In the 39th  minute Graham Alexander’s side applied the pressure and earned themselves a corner, which Burgess managed to header in as a result of County’s poor defending.

 

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Just on half-time, unlikely hero Ryan Inniss thought he’d claimed his first goal for the Exiles as it looked like he nodded in Dolan’s corner, however, the equaliser was labelled as an own goal by Pond.

 

Lois Maynard scored the third headed goal of the afternoon from a free-kick early in the second half, as Newport failed to defend yet another set piece.

 

Salford broke through in the 75th minute when Jervis ran passed defender Inniss, but the striker’s effort failed to trouble Tom King in the Newport goal.

 

The home side came close to equalising for the second time in the game as Newport substitute Corey Whitley’s ball found Sheehan in the box, however, the Welshman’s attempt could only find the post.

 

County were awarded a penalty on 80 minutes after Whitely was fouled in the box. Abrahams stepped up as confidently as ever, but his spot kick was saved convincingly by Lions’ keeper Mark Howard, putting an end to County’s impressive record.

George Nurse’s stoppage-time winner against Carlisle United sees the Exiles move up to third in the League Two table

Newport County 1-0 Carlisle United

 

Padraig Amond and Jack Bridge were the only players to have clear-cut chances in the first half and the second-half looked as though it was going to be just as uneventful.

 

However, late substitute George Nurse found space 30 yards out and fired home for Newport County in the 96th  minute.

 

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Until then, it looked as though this fixture would end goalless and both teams would share the rewards with a point each.

 

The first chance of the game came in the 7th  minute after Ryan Haynes played the ball into Jamille Matt, who chested the ball down to Amond. The Irishman’s effort missed just inches above the crossbar.

 

After a monotonous period, Matty Dolan won the first corner of the game for the home side in the 22nd  minute, following his shot from distance taking a deflection. Robbie Willmott whipped the ball into the box, but the visitors cleared with ease.

 

The Blues’ Mike Jones came close to breaking the deadlock just before half time when his ball over the top landed at Bridge’s feet, who shot across the goal from an awkward angle and edged just wide of the far post.

 

Steven Pressley’s side upped the pace just before the hour mark as a good run of play found Hallam Hope in front of goal. The 25-year-old’s strike was seen out for a goal kick.

 

A quick free-kick from Willmott in the 82nd  minute was played along the floor to Josh Sheehan whose ball found substitute Corey Whitely on the edge of the box, however, his effort flew past the woodwork.

 

Just as it looked like both teams had settled for a point, late substitute George Nurse had a different idea. The defender found the back of the net in the 96th  minute after striking a screamer from 30 yards out to claim all 3 points for the home side and his first EFL goal.

 

3 points moved the Exiles into 3rd  place in League Two.

Newport travel to Swindon in the hope of claiming the three points they missed out on last season

An 82nd  minute winner for Swindon Town through Kaiyne Woolery sent the home fans into euphoria after clinching a 2-1 win at the County Cround against Newport County last December.

 

With both teams failing to break the deadlock at Rodney Parade in a 0-0 draw in April, revenge is on the cards for Michael Flynn’s men as they travel to Wiltshire this weekend in the hope of claiming the three points they missed out on last season.

 

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Richie Wellens’ side occupy 4th  place in the League Two table after an impressive start to the season, having won four of their last five games.

 

Whereas, it has been a mixed-bag for the Exiles with two wins, two draws and one loss in their five previous league fixtures.

 

 

Team news

 

Defender Mathieu Baudry suffered an injury against Colchester in last Tuesday’s 3-0 loss, however, Wellens told the club that the injury “isn’t too serious.”

 

Aswell as Baudry, Keshi Anderson will undergo a late fitness test ahead of this weekend’s fixture.

 

Winger Kaiyne Woolery will be fit after seeing out his side’s 1-0 win at Cambridge with an injured knee.

 

 

One to watch

 

Eoin Doyle

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The Bradford loanee has had a flying start to the season having scored 7 goals in 8 appearances for Swindon Town, making him joint top scorer in League Two along with Mansfield’s Danny Rose. 

 

The hosts have a great track record of scoring goals, but will they be able to break through a Newport County side which has only conceded 6 goals in 10 league games this season?

Newport travel to Swindon in the hope of claiming the three points they missed out on last season

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An 82nd  minute winner for Swindon Town through Kaiyne Woolery sent the home fans into euphoria after clinching a 2-1 win at the County ground against Newport County last December.

 

With both teams failing to break the deadlock at Rodney Parade in a 0-0 draw in April, revenge is on the cards for Michael Flynn’s men as they travel to Wiltshire this weekend in the hope of claiming the three points that they missed out on last season.

 

Richie Wellens’ side occupy 4th  place in the League Two table after an impressive start to the season, having won four of their last five games.

 

Whereas, it has been a mixed-bag for the Exiles with two wins, two draws and one loss in their five previous league fixtures.

 

 

Team news

 

Defender Mathieu Baudry suffered an injury against Colchester in last Tuesday’s 3-0 loss, however, Wellens told the club that the injury “isn’t too series.”

 

Aswell as Baudry, Keshi Anderson will also undergo a late fitness test ahead of this weekend’s fixture.

 

Winger Kaiyne Woolery will be fit after seeing out his side’s 1-0 win at Cambridge with an injured knee.

 

One to watch

 

Eoin Doyle

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The Bradford loanee has had a flying start to the season having scored 7 goals in 8 appearances for Swindon Town, making him joint top scorer in League Two along with Mansfield’s Danny Rose. 

 

The hosts have a great track record of scoring goals, but will they be able to break through a Newport County side which has only conceded 6 goals 10 league games this season?

Newport County 1-0 Port Vale – County hold on to claim all 3 points in a close game against Port Vale

 The Exiles remain in second position in League Two after a goal from substitute Jamille Matt in the 78th minute bagged all 3 points for the home side.

 

One goal sealed this game, meaning that Newport kept their sixth successive clean sheet in the league and have now extended their unbeaten run to 17 games.

 

The first chance of the game came in the 7th  minute, when Robbie Willmott’s corner found Padraig Amond in the box, who edged just wide of goal.

 

A few minutes later Matty Dolan struck a free-kick from distance which looked promising, but Scott Brown handled with ease in Port Vale’s goal.

 

On 27 minutes, Dolan came close again as he found space through the middle and shot from 35 yards out. The midfielder’s attempt missed just wide of the right post.

 

The Valiants’ David Worrall found himself through on goal early in the second half after running past Newport’s Ryan Inniss. A scramble in the box saw Tom King just manage to hold onto the ball.

 

Newport were awarded a free-kick around the hour mark after Tristan Abrahams was brought down on the edge of the box. Star-man Josh Sheehan skied just inches above the crossbar.

 

Jamille Matt charged forward after replacing Joss Labadie in the 62nd  minute, finding Abrahams who fired inches wide of the post.

 

10 minutes later, left-back Ryan Haynes was close to breaking the deadlock when his superb shot rattled the crossbar.

 

Corey Whitely’s substitution took immediate effect after an impressive ball into the box found Jamille Matt, who tapped home to put his side 1-0 up and score his first of the season

 

The hosts were awarded a penalty in the 80th  minute when Matt was fouled in the box. Amond stepped up to take the spot-kick but the Irishman’s effort was saved by Brown.

 

Leon Legge was not prepared to let his side give up easily, but his header in added time was denied by the crossbar and confirmed victory for the Welsh side.