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Darryl Knights

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Newport County 1-1 Wrexham

Darryl Knights struck two minutes from time for Newport County to deny 10-man Wrexham an away win as the Blue Square Bet Premier tie at Spytty Park ended 1-1.

Andy Morrell had given the Dragons a 23rd-minute lead but with Neil Ashton sent off in the 48th minute, it was always going to be a tough task hanging on. All credit to the visitors though, who fought galantly until they were finally undone in the 89th minute.

County started the stronger of the two sides with Craig Reid first to get a shot away, although he could only manage to drag the ball wide of the target.

It was, however, an error from Wrexham that almost saw County take the lead as Frank Sinclair's backpass was chased by Kerry Morgan only for keeper Scott Shearer to make a last-ditch clearance.

But Wrexham started to find a rhythm of their own and were soon in the lead with virtually their first real chance of the match.

County failed to deal with Curtis Obeng's long throw that fell kindly to Morrell and he somehow found the back of the net on 23 minutes, albeit via a massive deflection.

Dean Keates looked to pile on the pressure for the visitors but his free kick was well saved by Glyn Thompson.

The hosts raised their game in the second period and should have equalised from the penalty spot when Ashton fouled Charlie Henry in the box. Ashton received his marching orders but that was Wrexham's only punishment as Reid slipped during his shot and had to watch his spot-kick hit the bar.

Shearer did well on 72 minutes to deny Eddie Odihambo before he similarly denied substitute Sam Foley with a volley. But Wrexham failed to hold on and finally conceded when Knights found the back of the net with a rasping drive in the dying minutes.

The result sees County unbeaten in six games while Wrexham have gone four matches without defeat.

Newport County bookings: None

Wrexham bookings: Knight-Percival, Smith.

Sent Off: Ashton (48).

Att: 3206

Ref: S Martin