Demetriou strike keeps Newport alive in relegation battle
Mickey Demetriou's stunning first-half strike kept Newport's survival hopes alive with a 1-0 win over Crawley in a match where both sides had a man sent off.
Both teams played most of the second half with 10 men after Joss Labadie and Josh Yorwerth were shown red cards for an off-the-ball altercation,
The Exiles had a huge shout for a penalty turned down after nine minutes when Sean Rigg's shot cannoned off Yorwerth's arm but took the lead barely 10 minutes later as Demetriou's stunning long-range strike sailed past Crawley goalkeeper Glenn Morris.
Dermot Drummy's men nearly equalised when Rhys Murphy's curling effort flew inches wide of the post.
Newport could have doubled their lead before the break, but Mitchell Rose's shot was well-saved by Morris before Swansea loanee Alex Samuel headed over from eight yards.
Ryan Bird had the opportunity to give Michael Flynn's side some breathing space in the second period but somehow sliced his effort wide in front of an open goal.
Day was Newport's hero in stoppage time, making two crucial saves to ensure the Welsh club held on for a valuable three points.
Source : PA
Source: PA