Match Report: Notts County undone by late goal as Newport County seal League Two survival

Notts County have finished the 2016-17 League Two season on a losing note, but all the pressure was on the opposition for 89 minutes as Newport County left it late to claim a 2-1 win at Rodney Parade on Saturday.

After some nervy opening exchanges, Lenell John-Lewis caused concern when he beat his man and squared for Tom Owen-Evans, but Alex Howes weighed in to deny the youngster a certain goal.

At the other end, Shola Ameobi got the better of former Magpie Scot Bennett on the right of the area and cut the ball back for Robert Milsom, but the midfielder sliced his shot out for a throw-in.

The Exiles continued to push forward and were rewarded in the 32nd minute when Haydn Hollis and John-Lewis tangled in the box, with the assistant flagging and referee Nigel Miller controversially pointing to the spot.

Despite Notts disputing the decision, it remained a penalty, and Demetriou stepped up to drill the ball past Adam Collin.

Kevin Nolan brought on Alan Smith and Marc Bola and his side levelled within five minutes of the changes.

Ryan Bird had just gone close for Newport with a speculative effort from 35 yards and the home defence was caught out by a long ball down the middle.

Jorge Grant took advantage and quickest to stab home the bouncing ball from close range on 62 minutes.

With Hartlepool United edging ahead against Doncaster Rovers, a point wouldn't have been enough for Newport to stay in the league because of their goal difference.

They threw everything forward in the search of the winner and when David Pipe launched a ball into the box, it dropped for Mark O’Brien, who chested down and lashed home on the volley to spark celebrations in the stands.

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