Newport held by Fleetwood after Loupalo-Bi cancels out Doidge opener

Newport County had to settle for a 1-1 draw with Fleetwood Town at Rodney Parade on Saturday after substitute Aaron Loupalo-Bi cancelled out Christian Doidge's first-half opener. Doidge scored in the 38th minute, but Fleetwood's change up front brought an equaliser half an hour later.

Doidge gives County the lead

Doidge finished right-footed from very close range, with Matty Jacob supplying the assist, to give Newport a 1-0 lead at half-time. County had a chance to extend the advantage early in the second half when Michael Adu-Poku shot from outside the box, but Jay Lynch saved.

Jordan Wright was called upon at the other end a minute later, stopping Harrison Neal's effort from outside the area. Doidge then headed wide from Harrison Biggins' cross in the 63rd minute, leaving Newport's lead at a single goal.

Fleetwood substitute levels

Loupalo-Bi replaced Ronan Coughlan in the 63rd minute and scored five minutes later, finishing right-footed from very close range into the top left corner. Newport made a double change immediately afterwards, bringing on Yahya Bamba for Adu-Poku and Kieron Evans for Shaquille Gwengwe.

Both sides looked for a winner. Evans and Jacob had attempts blocked for Newport, while Loupalo-Bi was also denied by a block. Shaun Rooney headed wide from very close range from Danny Andrew's cross following a corner in the 84th minute. Newport later brought on Tanatswa Nyakuhwa and Matt Smith for Doidge and Matt Dibley-Dias.

The draw ended Newport's run of two league defeats and left County with five points from six matches. Newport's three home league games have brought a win and two draws, while Fleetwood remain unbeaten after six, with two wins and four draws.

Mullins wanted all three points

Newport manager Hayden Mullins described the draw as a missed opportunity, saying “we should have probably won it”.

Newport had 16 shots but 2 on target, compared with Fleetwood's 14 attempts and 3 on target. County finished with 49% possession. Newport next travel to Accrington Stanley on 19 September at 15:00 BST.