Newport County and Cameron Antwi produced a dramatic late comeback to earn a point against promotion-chasing Crewe Alexandra at the Mornflake Stadium.
Despite playing more than 30 minutes with 10 men, Newport County twice came from behind, with a James Connolly own goal and Antwi’s stoppage-time strike securing a deserved draw on the road.
Head coach Christian Fuchs made several changes following the Emirates FA Cup defeat at Boreham Wood, with Jordan Wright returning in goal and a new-look back four of Cameron Evans, James Clarke, Lee Jenkins and Anthony Glennon.
The hosts made a strong start and took the lead on 11 minutes. A turnover in possession allowed Tommi O’Reilly to release Emre Tezgel, who finished calmly with a chipped effort over Wright.
Crewe continued to threaten, with Wright producing key saves to deny O’Reilly and Charlie Finney, while Owen Lunt fired narrowly over as Newport County worked to stay in the contest.
The visitors responded early in the second half and found an equaliser three minutes after the restart. Ben Lloyd’s initial effort was parried by Tom Booth, and Cameron Antwi’s follow-up deflected off James Connolly and into the net.
The game took another turn just after the hour mark when Courtney Baker-Richardson was sent off following a second yellow card, leaving Newport County to play the remainder of the match with 10 men.
Crewe regained the lead on 77 minutes when substitute Josh March converted from close range after sustained pressure.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Newport County continued to push forward and were rewarded in stoppage time. After a period of pressure in the Crewe area, Cameron Antwi fired a driven effort across goal and into the net to secure a point.
The result ends a run of two away defeats and moves Newport County closer to safety, with attention turning to the upcoming fixture against Fleetwood Town at Rodney Parade.
Crewe Alexandra
Tom Booth; Lewis Billington, James Connolly, Jay Mingi (Charlie Finney 56), Reece Hutchinson; Owen Lunt (Josh March 63), Conor Thomas, Max Sanders; Tommi O’Reilly, Calum Agius (Dion Rankine 76); Emre Tezgel
Substitutes (unused): Sam Waller, Phil Croker, Adrien Thibaut, Stan Dancey
Newport County
Jordan Wright; Cameron Evans (Joe Thomas 86), James Clarke (captain), Lee Jenkins, Anthony Glennon; Ben Lloyd (Kai Whitmore 86), Cameron Antwi, Sammy Braybrooke, Michael Spellman (Tom Davies 75); Courtney Baker-Richardson, Gerard Garner (Nathaniel Opoku 71)
Substitutes (unused): Nick Tzanev, Ciaran Brennan, Bobby Kamwa
Match officials
Referee | Edward Duckworth
Assistants | Grant Taylor, Declan Ford
Fourth official | Daniel Robinson
Attendance
3,895 (approximately 150 away supporters)