Amond, Matt and McKirdy on target as Newport ease past Cambridge

Posted Sunday, April 14, 2019 by PA

Newport claimed a comfortable 3-0 Sky Bet League Two victory at Cambridge to secure their sixth win over the U’s in the last two seasons.

The visitors went ahead inside five minutes through Padraig Amond, who was allowed an unchallenged header from Robbie Willmott’s cross to beat goalkeeper Dimi Mitov.

Cambridge offered little, but only a good save by Newport stopper Joe Day prevented them from equalising midway through the half.

Jevani Brown played a lovely through ball to Rushian Hepburn-Murphy, whose effort was tipped wide by Day.

Jamille Matt doubled Newport’s lead 11 minutes before the interval, using his head to divert Dan Butler’s goal-bound shot beyond Mitov from close range following Willmott’s corner.

Hepburn-Murphy was again denied by Day at his near post after 67 minutes, before Willmott was yet again involved to assist for Harry McKirdy to score with his first touch as a substitute in the final minute.

The result keeps Newport’s play-off hopes alive, while Cambridge are yet to secure their survival going into the final four matches of the season after five home games without a win.