Newport County played their part in a rip-roaring League Two clash at Lincoln City, but the Imps were celebrating at the final whistle.
Manager Michael Flynn’s County fought with heart and character, but they were edged out by the League Two leaders at Sincil Bank.
Lincoln into a two goal lead courtesy of John Akinde aand Harry Anderson, before Padraig Amond pulled one back before half time for the Exiles.
The Imps restored their two goal advantage through Tom Pett before Amond hit back with his second. Newport threw everything at City, but the home team held out for a vital three points.
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Flynn elected to make two changes to his team who last played 11 days ago against Wrexham AFC.
Having sustained a cheekbone injury in that comprehensive victory over the National League side in the Emirates FA Cup, Mickey Demetriou could only make the bench and missed starting his 76th consecutive league fixture.
Mark O’Brien was able to overcome his own injury problems to come back into a 4-3-3 formation at Sincil Bank, while Robbie Willmott replaced Tyreeq Bakinson.
Lincoln City manager Danny Cowley kept faith in his starting side that capitalised on MK Dons not playing last weekend to move back to the top of the League Two table with a comfortable 3-1 victory over Morecambe.
The Exiles went for the win, going toe-to-toe with the League leaders and, with a little luck, would have come away with at least a point.
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They must reflect on a performance which suggests they are a match for the top teams and take confidence into their home clash with Forest Green Rovers at Rodney Parade on Boxing Day
Newport County AFC (4-3-3): Day, Pipe (capt) (Sheehan 88), O’Brien, Franks, Butler, Dolan (Labadie 55), Bennett, Willmott (Harris 71), Semenyo, Matt, Amond. Subs not used: Townsend, Bakinson, Pring, Demetriou.
Lincoln City (4-3-3): Smith, Eardley, Bostwick, Shackell, Toffolo, Pett, Frecklington (capt), O’Connor (Wharton 81), Anderson, Akinde (Rhead 74), McCartan (Andrade 6). Subs not used: Slocombe, Gordon, Wilson, Mensah
Referee: Thomas Bramall
Attendance: 8,632 (185 away)
