Sheehan and Matt on target as Newport defeat League Two leaders Swindon

Posted Sunday, January 19, 2020 by PA

Newport’s fastest goal of the season set them on their way to a notable double over Sky Bet League Two leaders Swindon as they matched their 2-0 away win in October with an identical triumph at Rodney Parade.

Josh Sheehan got the game off to an explosive start as he slotted the ball past Steve Benda in the visitors’ goal with a mere 45 seconds on the clock.

Newport totally dominated the first half – with Ryan Innis hitting the crossbar with a header – and they struck again early in the second half to double their lead.

This time it was a frantic goalmouth scramble, rather than a cleverly-constructed goal that took them further ahead.

Jamille Matt finally got the ball into the net after yet another long throw into the box from Mickey Demetriou had caused panic in the Swindon defence.

The visitors arrived having lost only once in their previous 13 league outings, but got bogged down on a pitch that the previous night had hosted the European Challenge Cup rugby match between the Dragons and Enisei.

Tom King only had to make one meaningful save in the Newport goal, from a shot by Diallang Jaiyesimi, while Rarmani Edmonds-Green shot just past the post from a corner.

Defeat for Swindon saw them lose their three-point lead at the top of the table as second-placed Exeter edged Grimsby 1-0.