Dolan gives Newport first-half lead with spectacular long-range strike
Collins doubles Exiles' lead after the break
Forest Green's Bailey hits crossbar with free-kick at 1-0 down
Fans at a stadium in Wales for first time since March 2020
Second leg takes place at 18:30 BST on Sunday
Newport 1-0 Forest Green
Another opportunity for Newport early in the second half thanks to some fine work by Mickey Demetriou.
The centre-back slides a ball through for Padraig Amond, but he shoots over from the edge of the box.
Newport 1-0 Forest Green
Jason Perry
Former Newport defender on BBC Radio Wales
When Forest Green flood players forward you just feel there’s going to be a couple more goals.
Newport 1-0 Forest Green
The second period begins at Rodney Parade.
Can Newport build on Matt Dolan's brilliant first-half goal, or will Forest Green find a response?
HT Newport 1-0 Forest Green
Charlie Edinburgh, son of the late former Newport manager and Tottenham defender Justin Edinburgh, is supporting the Welsh club tonight.
Edinburgh led Newport to promotion to League Two in 2013, with the Exiles beating Wrexham at Wembley in what was then known as the Conference Premier play-off final.
He died in 2019 at the age of 49.
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HT Newport 1-0 Forest Green
Former Wales striker Iwan Roberts is impressed.
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HT Newport 1-0 Forest Green
If Newport go on to win this tie and get promoted, that Matt Dolan goal is going to be replayed for years.
The celebrations tell their own story.
Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency
Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency
Image source, Huw Evans Picture AgencyNewport lead at the break in this play-off semi-final first leg thanks to that sparkling Matt Dolan strike.
There is a long way to go, but the Exiles are worth their early advantage.
Newport 1-0 Forest Green
Newport skipper Josh Sheehan is booked for a sliding challenge on Aaron Collins.
He cannot have any complaints about that.
Newport 1-0 Forest Green
We are into a minute of added time.
Newport 1-0 Forest Green
Newport are on the front foot as half-time approaches.
Some neat footwork from Padraig Amond almost causes a problem for Forest Green but they eventually clear.
Newport 1-0 Forest Green
Tom King punches away a Forest Green corner away.
It was not the most convincing effort from the Newport keeper, but it gets the job done.
Newport 1-0 Forest Green
Josh Sheehan shoves Dom Bernard near the halfway line.
Bernard is ruffling a few feathers.
Newport 1-0 Forest Green
Forest Green very nearly level from the free-kick, which is beautifully struck by Odin Bailey.
The ball goes over the wall and back down before hitting the crossbar and bouncing to safety.
Newport 1-0 Forest Green
Forest Green have a free-kick right on the edge of the box as Matt Dolan slides in and Dom Bernard goes down.
Newport 1-0 Forest Green
A much better free-kick from Aaron Collins this time, which has Forest Green's big men interested until the assistant referee's flag goes up.
Newport 1-0 Forest Green
There is a long way to go in this tie of course, but play-off games are often decided by the odd moment of quality.
What a time for Matt Dolan to produce a strike like that.
Newport 1-0 Forest Green
Michael Pearlman
BBC Sport Wales at Rodney Parade
What. A. Goal.
900 people just raised the roof.
Newport 1-0 Forest Green
Jason Perry
Former Newport defender on BBC Radio Wales
What technique from Dolan! He has to hit it with his laces and the ball just lifts and lifts as it leaves his foot and into the top corner!
Matt Dolan
What a goal!
Newport midfielder Matt Dolan gives his side the lead with a glorious long-range strike.
Josh Sheehan lays the ball off and Dolan unleashes a thunderbolt which flies into the top corner.
Newport 0-0 Forest Green
Jason Perry
Former Newport defender on BBC Radio Wales
What’s worrying me is Forest Green are beginning to gain a lot of ball in midfield and Newport are dropping into a back five and leaving Padraig Amond and Lewis Collins very isolated.