Newport County 1-0 Port Vale

Kevin Ellison joined Newport County on a one-year deal in September after being released by Morecambe

Kevin Ellison scored a dramatic stoppage time goal as Newport County beat Port Vale to retain top spot in League Two.

Substitute Elllison, 41, struck from close range after Port Vale failed to clear a corner deep into six minutes of injury time.

Vale had Leon Legge sent off in the second half.

The Exiles are three points clear at the top of the table while Vale are ninth after a third successive defeat.

Both sides played their part in an expansive and entertaining first half with Liam Shephard having three opportunities for County while Jamie Proctor could not find the target.

Vale too had their chances with David Worrall and Tom Conlon denied by Nick Townsend while Nathan Brown glanced a header wide.

Newport made a good start to the second half with Brandon Cooper heading over from Matt Dolan's corner.

Padraig Amond and Cooper both headed wide as County pressed for a goal before veteran Ellison's late winner.

Newport County manager Michael Flynn said:

"We've had over 60% possession and over 25 shots but we just didn't test the keeper enough if I'm honest. That's the only down point.

"But the substitutes came on and I thought they were excellent. They gave us that little bit of a push in the final third.

"[Kevin Ellison] is a fantastic professional and that's why he's playing at the age he is."