Newport stay top as Dolan sinks Shrimps

Newport maintained their unbeaten home record, defeating Morecambe in South Wales.

The Exiles needed a late spot-kick from Matty Dolan, after Padraig Amond’s opener was cancelled out by Carlos Mendes Gomes.

A crisp day in Newport saw the visit of Lancastrians Morecambe to Rodney Parade. The visitors came into it after a tough-fought 1-0 win over Barrow in the week, with County drawing with Forest Green Rovers.

Morecambe made two changes, with Cole Stockton and John O’Sullivan dropping to the bench in place of former Blackburn man Jordan Slew, and defensive midfielder Alex Kenyon.

Jamie Proctor dropped to the bench in favour of Padraig Amond for Michael Flynn’s men.

Both teams were lively in the early exchanges without creating any major chances, with the exception of Morecambe’s first – a free header for Nathaniel Knight-Percival which he put straight at Nick Townsend.

Newport’s first chance resulted in a better outcome. A deep cross from Liam Shephard found Scott Twine, who edged back for an awaiting Amond. The Irishman converted for his seventh of the campaign.

Morecambe, despite having considerably less of the ball, picked up an equaliser not too long afterwards though. Danger man Carlos Mendes Gomes fired an effort straight at Townsend, but the Spaniard netted on the rebound.

Newport then gained a stronghold on the game with possession and opportunities. Josh Sheehan came close with a vicious curler just wide.

The hosts recorded 73% possession, with the midfield control of Sheehan and Twine paramount. The latter did not have his shooting boots on today though, sending two long-range efforts in to South Walian orbit.

The second period brought a lack of chance, but the game still entertained with it’s combative and aggressive nature.

This played a part in the game’s conclusion in terms of result though, as Stephen Hendrie tackled too firmly in the Newport box, gifting the hosts a penalty. He was subsequently dismissed for a second bookable offence.

Matt Dolan converted with ease to keep Newport top by a point, with the Shrimps dropping to 12th.

Newport County: Townsend; Shephard, Cooper, Dolan, Demetriou, Haynes (Willmott 61′); Bennett (Ellison 74′), Sheehan, Twine; Amond (Longe-King 89′), Abrahams (Proctor 61′)

Subs: King, Devitt, Lewis

Morecambe: Halstead; Lavelle, Davis, Knight-Percival (Leitch-Smith 90′); Kenyon; Mellor, Hendrie, Phillips (Cooney 84′), Songo’o; Mendes Gomes, Slew (McAlinden 89′)

Subs: Turner, Diagouraga, O’Sullivan, Pringle

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