Newport County booked themselves into the Carabao Cup first-round proper after a 4-2 win on pens after a 2-2 draw in normal time away to Barnet.
The early exchanges consisted of the host dominating the vast majority of possession and creating half chances.
With seven minutes on the clock, Barnet delivered a driving across the box as County dealt with the threat well.
The pressure continued as Joe Thomas was forced to make a last ditch clearance as the hosts nearly tested Tzanev from close range.
The Exile’s conceded a free-kick on the edge of the box, giving Barnet the perfect opportunity to deliver a searching ball into the Newport 6-yard-box. The resulting header sailed over the bar, but another warning sign for David Hughes’ team.
The danger didn’t stop there as Tsanev needed to react as the County backline was briefly exposed by a clever through ball, but the New Zealand International dealt with the threat superbly by forcing the attacker out wide.
With Barnet enjoying the spell of possession, Newport had their first major chance when Michael Reindorf nearly took advantage of a goalkeeping error but his shot went over the bar.
Then from out the blue, and with Newport on the attack, the ball bounced and landed at Cameron Antwi who volleyed home a 25-yard screamer to put County in front.
Tsaenv was also back on hand with a terrific save from a strong Barnet header.
From a throw-in, Tom Davies noticed Reindorf available on the left hand side with space. Reindorf weaved his way through a number of Barnet players before a delicious strike curled into the top corner to double County’s lead.
HALF-TIME
The opening 15 minutes of the second half saw two chances for each side. Joe Thomas delivered a great cross into the path of Tom Davies who slides in to meet in but his effort goes over.
Tsanev was also called into action again, clearing off the line from a Barnet attack.
As the second-half continued, neither team could create a real goal scoring opportunity until Barnet hit the woodwork on the 75th minute, attempting to pile on the pressure.
County went into back to wall mode, as Barnet hit the woodwork once again after a shot smashing against of injurty the far post.
With eight minutes of injury time on the clock, Barnet were searching for the goals to tie the game. Incredibly they did! A goal in the 97th minute and the 98th minute forced the match into a dramatic penalty shoot-out.
Ged Garner stepped up to take the opening pen that was saved. Barnet took advantage by scoring their next two, but the hosts fumbled on the spot when they hit the post and Tzanev saved to give Newport the advantage. It was Cam Evans who fired home the winning penalty to end an incredible night at The Hive.
County will take on Championship outfit Millwall in the first-round proper of the Carabao Cup.
Starting XI – Tzanev, Baker, Clake (C), Smith, Baker-Richardson, Antwi, Thomas, Jenkins, Davies, Reindorf, Lloyd
Subs - Cameron Evans, Glennon, Kamwa, Garner, Ogunneye, Alexander-Walker, Wright, Evans, Sanca
Substitutions;
Off;
Matt Smith
Courtney Baker-Richardson
Michael Reindorf
On;
Cam Evans
Ged Garner
Bobby Kamwa