Newport County 2 - 1 Rochdale

Photo: Karl Whitehead

Newport County v Rochdale

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Defeat for Rochdale at Newport on the final day couldn’t put a stop to the celebrations as over 1,300 Dale fans toasted their side's promotion to League One.

George Donnelly put Dale into the lead on 28 minutes but Newport levelled 13 minutes later.

Matt Lund had his penalty saved after Ryan Jackson saw red for a foul on Ian Henderson before Kevin Feely won for Newport late on with a looping header.

The party atmosphere inside Rodney Parade was made by the travelling faithful who were, in the main, dressed in pink in tribute to Keith Hill’s pink pants that he wore at Bristol Rovers.

On a terrible pitch, probably the worst seen this season, Dale’s passing game was certainly going to be tested.

George Donnelly, who is out of contract in the summer, went close with a shot that flashed across the face of goal.

Donnelly's second chance resulted in the opening goal. A tremendous through ball by Ian Henderson picked out Donnelly’s run with home keeper McLoughlin foiling his first effort but couldn’t prevent his second shot from a narrow angle.

With news coming in that Chesterfield were behind against Fleetwood, the Dale fans were celebrating being in pole position for the League Two title but they were soon silenced when Newport levelled. Captain Mike Flynn saw his shot saved by Lillis but Aaron O’Connor was on hand to turn the ball over the line.

Keith Hill’s side started the second half very positive.

Michael Rose’s 40 yard freekick was deflected narrowly wide whilst Donnelly flashed a volley over.

Hill gave Craig Lynch his debut when the former Sunderland man replaced Hery as Dale went more attacking. The debutant hit a powerful volley straight at McLoughlin after a Vincenti knock down.

With the game opening up Dale got a breakthrough when Ian Henderson was upended inside the box. Jackson was shown the red card with seven minutes remaining but Matt Lund saw his penalty well saved.

Buoyed by their let off, Newport went on to claim the points with just two minutes remaining. A deep freekick was headed over Lillis by Feely to send the home supporters into raptures.

Chesterfield’s win meant they win the League 2 title with Scunthorpe taking the runners up spot.

Despite defeat, the Rochdale players and fans celebrated what has been a tremendous season, which will be remembered long in the memory.

Attendance: 4,662

Rochdale: Lillis, Rose (Done 72), Bennett, Lancashire (c), O’Connell, Donnelly (Bunney 72), Lund, Allen, Henderson, Vincenti , Hery (Lynch 55)
Subs: (not used) Eastham, Thomson, Rafferty, Cavanagh,

Newport: McLoughlin, Hughes, Jackson, Blake, Feely, Porter, Chapman (Minshull 74), Flynn (c), Zebroski (Jeffers 81), Willmott, O’Connor (Jolley 66)
Subs: (not used) Naylor, Holloway, Parker, Howe

Referee: Mr J Adcock
Assistant Referees: Mr M Howes & Mr P Rees
Fourth official: Mr S Knapp