Newport County 2-1 Bradford City: Dolan double for County
- Published
Newport County were knocked out of both the FA Cup and League Cup this season after losing penalty shoot-outs to Premier League clubs Brighton and Newcastle respectively
Matt Dolan's last-gasp penalty boosted Newport County's League Two promotion hopes at the Cardiff City Stadium.
The Bantams took the lead just after half time when Andy Cook anticipated Priestley Farquharson's weak backpass and raced clear to score the opener.
Newport deservedly equalised with 13 minutes left as Dolan curled home a sumptuous freekick from 25-yards out.
Dolan then broke Bradford hearts with a cool penalty in the final minute of injury time after a handball decision.
The match was played at Cardiff due to issues with the Rodney Parade pitch, with Cardiff also set to host Newport's home match against Leyton Orient on Saturday, 20 March.
The win for Newport sees them move up to sixth, while Bradford fall to 12th with their own play-off hopes fading.
Newport manager Michael Flynn told BBC Sport Wales: "I thought the first half was probably the best League Two game I've seen this season.
"It was very, very high quality football, passing patterns, players having confidence and bravery on the ball.
"I'm asking my players to play football. When they make mistakes I can't then turnaround and hammer them for it.
"It's what happens when we want to play a more attractive style of football, and today I thought we've done that against a very good Bradford team."