Newport earn share of the spoils

Newport rescued a 1-1 draw against Tranmere at Rodney Parade to maintain their play-off push.

A single strike from League Two player of the month Rory Donnelly looked enough to win it for Micky Adams' men. But Mark Byrne struck seven minutes from time to keep County in the play-off picture, while Tranmere are two points clear of the relegation zone. Exiles midfielder Lee Minshull was forced off after a heavy blow to the head near the end of a drab first 45 minutes. The fourth official showed eight minutes of added time after the stoppage, and Tranmere took full advantage during that period to strike first. County were caught napping from a quick free-kick and before they could react Jennison Myrie-Williams had found Donnelly at the back post as he converted his fourth goal in five games. Newport came so close to their first goal in five matches when Byrne rattled the crossbar with a diving header. But he swept a rebounded shot home from the edge of the box to make amends and secure a vital point.