Newport County 2-1 Harrogate Town: Brandon Cooper scores late winner

Brandon Cooper was a huge threat in the air for Newport County

Brandon Cooper's late header denied Harrogate and gave leaders Newport County a five-point lead in League Two.

Padraig Amond opened the scoring for the Exiles after good build-up play from Joss Labadie and Liam Shephard.

Harrogate were then reduced to 10 men when Josh Falkingham was sent off after collecting two yellows in 38 minutes.

The visitors were level before the break when Dan Jones nodded on a corner for Will Smith to prod home, only for Cooper to break their resistance.

Newport County manager Michael Flynn said:

"We gave a poor goal away - the first set-piece we've conceded this season so doubly disappointed - they had 10 men but they worked their socks off, you've got to give them a lot of credit.

"There was only one team looking to win it in the second half but they had a chance and it could have cost us.

"We've won the game and I'm delighted, we played some very good stuff, but also slow at times, a little bit sloppy at times because we were looking for the killer pass. But the subs have come on and changed things."