Newport County knock Leicester City out of the Emirates FA Cup

By Caitlin Bennett, member of The FA Young Reporters' Club. "I'm a first year Sports Journalism student at the University of Gloucestershire. I am extremely passionate about sports, especially football. I am very excited to be part of The FA Young Reporters' Club, as I will get some great experience."

League Two’s Newport County beat former Premier League champions Leicester City 2-1 at Rodney Parade in the third round of the Emirates FA Cup.

Last season’s FA Cup campaign saw Newport County earn the title of Giant Killers after beating Leeds United and managing a draw against Tottenham Hotspur.

And a first-half goal from Jamille Matt and a dramatic late penalty from Padraig Amond was enough to add another scalp for Michael Flynn's Exiles in front of a live television audience.

And lifelong Newport fan Marc Peplow said: “This game means a lot. It can benefit us financially. It’s our third time in four years that we’ve got to the third round. This gives us a chance to put our name on the map. It’s unbelievable.”

“As a fan, it would mean everything; beating Premier League champions. It could be an unforgettable first game for someone,” added another supporter, Logan Busuttil.

Despite Exiles goalkeeper Joe Day making the first two saves of the game, it was the hosts who took the lead in the tenth minute of the game after Robbie Willmott’s cross found Jamille Matt in the middle, where he managed head his side into a surprise lead.

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The view from the press box as the teams emerge for the game at Rodney Parade

And Newport’s Matt Dolan almost doubled the lead in the 16th minute, but his free-kick was saved brilliantly by Danny Ward.

A chance fell for the Foxes in the 39th minute after a shot from Shinji Okazaki caused a scramble in the box and Newport did well to get rid of the ball.

Marc Albrighton’s shot rattled the crossbar early in the second half before Kelechi Iheanacho found himself in a good position in the box in the 62nd minute. He managed to turn and shoot, but his attempt edged just wide of the right post.

Claude Puel’s side found an equaliser in the 83rd minute, as Ghezzal’s strike found the back of the net and it looked like we were heading for a replay at the King Power Stadium.

But County were awarded a penalty in the 85th minute after a handball in the box and Padraig Amond converted to put his side in front.

A fantastic win for the Giant Killers sees them enter Monday’s fourth round draw.