Irishman Pádraig Amond helps lowly Newport to FA Cup giant-killing with stunning goal
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Irishman Pádraig Amond helps lowly Newport to FA Cup giant-killing with stunning goal

IRISH striker Pádraig Amond sealed lowly Newport County’s place in the fifth round of the FA Cup after the League Two side shocked Middlesbrough.

The Carlow native scored the second of Newport’s two second-half goals to send the Championship promotion hopefuls crashing out of the cup in the fourth round replay.

Amond lashed the ball into the top corner from a low cross that left Dimi Konstantopoulos – making a rare start in place of Irishman Darren Randolph – no chance.

The striker, who has 18 goals this season, also scored the winner against Premier League side Leicester City in the previous round.

Irish defender Mark O’Brien helped Newport – who have won just one of their last nine League two games – keep a clean sheet against the Championship side.

It is only the second time in the Exiles’ history that they have reached the fifth round of the FA Cup, the last time being 70 years ago.

Newport, 14th in League Two, now face Premier League champions Manchester City in the next round.

However the tie holds no fear for jubilant supporters, given their full-time chant of: “Man City, we’re coming for you!”

Elsewhere, Irishman Matt Doherty helped Premier League Wolves avoid an upset with two goals in their 3-2 home win over League One Shrewsbury.