Newport County drew 2-2 with Plymouth Argyle in the Jersey Mike's Trophy on Tuesday before losing the extra point in a penalty shootout. The result extends the Exiles' unbeaten run to five games across all competitions.
Kieron Evans gave Newport County a fourth-minute lead with a long-range strike. Yahya Bamba doubled the advantage from the penalty spot just before the hour mark. Plymouth fought back with a goal from Bim Pepple in the 75th minute and a stoppage-time equaliser from Tyreeq Bakinson to force spot-kicks.
Match flow
Evans struck early, finding the net from distance to put the home side in control. Aaron Lewis came close to adding a second shortly after the ten-minute mark. Bamba weaved past several defenders before dragging a shot wide, and Matt Smith sent a volley over the bar after good work from Ged Garner.
Plymouth threatened before the break, with Seb Campbell heading over from a Tegan Finn cross. Newport County were awarded a penalty early in the second half after captain Matt Smith was fouled in the area. Bamba converted calmly to make it 2-0.
The visitors pulled one back when Lee Jenkins slipped, allowing Pepple to score. Goalkeeper Shaun MacDonald then made a vital save from a Plymouth penalty in the closing stages to keep Newport ahead. But Bakinson struck in the 90th minute to level the tie.
Shootout drama
The match went straight to penalties to decide the extra Trophy point. MacDonald, wearing number 33, could not repeat his earlier heroics in the shootout as Plymouth prevailed. The result means Newport County take one point from the group stage fixture.
Yahya Bamba described one of his earlier chances. "He drove beyond Roberts and into the area before firing a shot across goal that went just wide of the far post," Bamba said.
The draw continues a solid run of form for Graham Coughlan's side, who are 15th in League Two with 10 points from nine games. Their recent results show two wins and three draws from the last five outings.
Newport County now turn their focus back to the league and a home match against 19th-placed Colchester United this Saturday. Check the team news and build-up on our fixtures page.
Further reading: pafc.co.uk
