Newport County AFC secured their first win of 2020 and booked their place in the Quarter Final of the Leasing.Com Trophy, overcoming MK Dons at Rodney Parade.
Goals from Tristan Abrahams and Padraig Amond took the Exiles through with a 3-0 victory, representing their best performance in the competition since its revamp in 2016.
It couldn’t have been a better start for County, taking a 1-0 lead in the 4th minute. The ball found its way out to Josh Sheehan, who delivered a beautiful cross to the back post towards Ryan Inniss.
Inniss’ header hit the crossbar, however the rebound fell to Abrahams who was on-hand to stroke the ball home from close range for his 5th goal in the competition.
What followed was an even spell of play, with each team playing impressive football.
George Nurse was plaguing the MK Dons right-wing with crosses into the box. One such cross found Abrahams, looking for his second, but it was well defended by the Dons.
On the 25 minute mark, County found themselves with their lead doubled, this time a screamer from Padraig Amond.
Good play on the edge of the box resulted in a dangerous free-kick. Amond unleashed a ferocious strike past Dons keeper Stuart Moore to put the Exiles 2-0 up.
Soon after, County were in dreamland. Corners were proving dangerous for the home side, and after Amond won a flick-on at the near post, the ball found its way over the line after Podge's header found the net after a touch from Matthew Sorinola. The score remained the same at the half, 3-0 to County.
The start of the second half brought about more of the same from the two sides. Amond was played through on goal with a nice through ball from Matty Dolan, but found his effort smothered well by the Dons keeper.
MK Dons, chasing the game, began to create chances, however vital touches from Mark O’Brien and Scot Bennett ensured there was no nervous ending and the clean sheet stayed intact.
County face the wait to see who they will play in the next round of the Leasing.Com Trophy, now just two victories from a return to Wembley. The draw takes place Thursday 9th January at 12.15pm LIVE on Talksport.