Newport County fell to their first defeat of the Sky Bet League Two season in heartbreaking fashion against Grimsby Town at Blundell Park.
The Exiles found themselves on the back front from the off. The hosts took the lead from a first minute corner, when the ball was driven across the goal and ricochet off Courtney Baker-Richardson into the back of the net.
County had limited chances in the first-half. The best opportunity came when Lee Jenkins’ header across goal nearly met the path of Reindorf and Baker-Richardson.
Nik Tzanev became County’s saviour of the half after a tremendous save from Jamie Walker’s shot, which was curling into the bottom left-hand corner.
It didn’t take long until Tzanev was back to save County once again. The hosts won a penalty after Kieran Green was tripped in the box. Tzanev stood tall, dived to his left side and stopped Grimsby from doubling their lead once again.
Justin Amaluzor also couldn’t beat Tzanev with his effort as we approached the break.
HALF-TIME
On the 49th minute, Grimsby were close to doubling their lead when Justin Amaluzor’s shot hit the far post, with Tzanev unable to react.
Jaze Kabia was looking to put pressure on County, but his header was well defended by the Exiles.
Arguably against the run of play, County bagged an equaliser. A super cross by Reindorf found an unmarked Matt Baker in the box who smashed it in to put the Exiles level
Tzanev was back to his heroics once again when McJannet’s shot, heading into the top corner was saved by the Newport keeper.
Meaningful chances were few and far between as the second-half progressed. The hosts had a free header in the box that flew over Tzanev’s bar on the 85th minute.
With the clock winding down and 5 minutes added time on the clock, Grimsby cruelly took the lead again from Charles Vernam’s shot.
FULL-TIME
Starting XI – Tzanev, Ogunneye, Baker C, Jenkins, Shephard, Davies, Evans, Smith, Whitmore, Reindorf, Baker-Richardson
Subs – Wright, Clarke, Kamwa, Antwi, Thomas, Glennon, Spellman
Off;
Matt Smith
Habeeb Ogunneye
Liam Shephard
Michael Reindorf
Courtney Baker-Richardson
On;
Cameron Antwi
Joe Thomas
James Clarke
Bobby Kamwa
Michael Spellman
Attendance: 6402 (112 away)