Awesome game

Report from Mark Vickery

Venue: The New Lawn

Forest Green Rovers 4 (Adams 7, Collins 8, Cadden 53, Matt 87)

Newport County 3 (Ellison 70, Labadie 76, Maynard 119)

Attendance:

Form:

Newport County WDddWdWWDW

Forest Green Rovers LLLWddLWWL

PRE-MATCH THOUGHTS
Horrendous weather with wind and rain. Matt pivotal aerial strength for Forest Green and Cadden needs stifling on crosses left wing. County need to play their football in the Forest Green half.

CONDITIONS
Extremely difficult with strong wind and heavy rain. Pitch was quick and slippery in parts with overload of water on surface.

SUMMING UP OUR PERFORMANCE IN ONE STATEMENT
Slow start defended poorly on crosses but showed immense character to forge ahead twice to win the tie.

TURNING POINT
Majestic Ellison goal mid-way through second half lifted County when they needed it.

THE MATCH
County kept the same side that won on Tuesday and captain Josh Labadie had to be content with a place on the bench after injury. Josh Sheehan deputised as captain and County started well with the gusty wind encouraging them into the Forest Green half with Lewis Collins making some direct pacey runs left side to test Wilson. Forest Green adopted an expansive 3–4–3 formation with Adams supporting front pair Matt and brother Lewis, Aaron effective in transition left wing. On 6 minutes, County were given a warning when Collins darted down the left flank ghosting past Lewis with ease forcing Sheehan into a foul left side of the area. Cadden took the free kick which was blasted into the wall and Collins saw his snapshot from a wide angle deflected for a corner. From the resultant corner, Cadden delivered an excellent ball to front post and Adams ghosted in glance his header into the right corner. It was just the tonic Forest Green needed and energised Forest Green. County were half a sleep and Rovers pinched the ball again left side with Lewis caught in possession by Cargill. He drove down the left flank and allowed to roam before sweeping in an early cross which Collins anticipated well and stabbed home from 8 yards with County keeper King letting shot go through him cheaply. County struggled to settle into their rhythm overplaying too many pass and Rovers remained the more effective using Matt as a battering ram and Collins constant nuisance picking up bits and pieces. County eased their way slowly into the game with Sheehan and Dolan orchestrating some good low precise moves. On 17 minutes, County had a corner right side which they cleverly worked short to the edge of the area when Shephard found Haynes but his first time effort well blocked by Sweeney. County kept pressing the right buttons with Forest Green happy to sit off and invite pressure and they issued another warning on 25 minutes when Demetriou released Hartigan and he turned inside smartly. From the left side of the area, Hartigan adjusted well and his snapshot fizzed just over the bar. County were close again on 30 minutes when they overloaded well right side with Lewis getting outside Cargill and his cross to the front post was cutting finding the late run of Collins but he was denied by a last gasp header by Bernard to clear the danger. From the resultant quick short throw, Lewis swung in a real teaser on the wind which Demetriou met well in the air from 8 yards but his header under pressure dropped just wide of the left post. Forest Green lost momentum with County getting on top in midfield with Hartigan and Sheehan linking well box to box. There was another warning for Forest Green on 35 minutes when Haynes overlapped well left side and carried his run well before dinking over an excellent cross begging to be turned in but the ball flashed right through the six yard area and ushered to safety by Cargill. County kept plugging away with Lewis coming into game right side and forced Cadden into a late challenge on 37 minutes right side of the area. Dolan took the free kick and surprisingly opted for a short ball to the edge of the area which Shephard met first time but his effort was rising and went well over. Forest Green had a better spell as half time approached with moves in transition again left side with Collins a nuisance. On 42 minutes, Collins chased down a ball left side which County should have cleared but allowed the ball to drop and Collins carried the ball around King but an unnecessary dive got him a booking. On 44 minutes, Hartigan were forced into an untidy foul left side deep inside the County half after Adams had roamed into space. From the resultant free kick, Cadden again showed his prowess striking the ball but the shot drifted wide of the left post. In first half injury time, County were given another warning when a direct pass found Matt and the lay-off was not picked up and Collins took charge of the ball but his effort left side of the area was well blocked by Shephard.

County freshened things up at half time with Amond replaced by Taylor uptop and Labadie on for Hartigan in midfield to bolster some of the physicality missing first half. The early stages were a bit cat and mouse with County continuing the enjoy the better possession but Forest Green effective on the break. The game was untidy with a couple of free kicks awarded and Forest Green were awarded a free kick down the right channel after Labadie blocked the run forward by Sweeney. From 35 yards, Cadden swung in an opportunist teasing ball into area which was wind assisted and went straight through an into the left corner with King rooted to the spot. Despite some calls for offside, the decision was allowed to stand with players not interpreted to be effecting the delivery. Forest Green were buoyed by taking the lead for the first time in the clash and another bright move across the face of the area invited Moore-Taylor to shoot but his effort was well blocked by Bennett. On 62 minutes, County worked a decent move down the right flank on the break with Collins doing well to pick a hole and Cargill pulled him back. Sheehan cut in a decent low free kick to the near the post which got tamed on the wind but County had nobody alert to punish some indecisive Rovers defending. County made another double substitution soon after with Maynard on for Dolan and Ellison on for Lewis with County matching Rovers 3–4–3 set up. On 70 minutes, Forest Green went close again when a bright move left side saw Collins carry a strong run past Bennett and his snapshot left side of the area was deflected onto the top of the bar. County were back on level aggregate term on 70 minutes when a direct move from deep caught Forest Green sleeping. Taylor did well to caress a neat pass into Ellison and he struck a vicious dipping effort in off the bar from 25 yards. County made another change soon after with Bennett being replaced by Farquharson. The change appeared to settle County again with some dominance regained in possession stakes with Sheehan and Labadie causing problems through the middle and Haynes growing into the game left side. County were ahead in the tie again on 75 minutes when Haynes stole forward left side getting outside Wilson. He provided an immaculate low cross into the area which came off fast on the surface and Labadie pounced caressing a low shot from 10 yards into the right corner. Forest Green made efforts to pick up their game with some direct play again into Matt which County marshalled well. It was no surprise they went for fresh youthful legs on 82 minutes with Richardson replacing Wilson right channel and Young replaced Collins up top. Another change on the left flank saw Cadden replaced by Bailey. On 86 minutes, County had a corner right side after some good work by Shephard but some poor retention allowed Forest Green to break left channel with Caddis finding unchecked run by Bailey. He drove to by line and cut back a low cross which Matt read well getting ahead of Haynes poking home past King from 6 yards. Forest Green had a corner deep in the 6 minutes of injury time when Bailey delivered a decent cross left side but Matt glanced his header from 8 yards well wide of the right post under pressure from Farquharson.

With the conditions deteriorating, passing the ball low and precise was hazardous but County showed nerve to keep the ball well in the first period of extra time. On 94 minutes, an excellent well timed move saw Haynes do well to overlap and dink an excellent cross into the area which pinpointed Maynard unmarked but he could only head wide of the right post from 8 yards. County were causing problems with their movement and agility with Forest Green visibly tiring and another good move on 96 minutes saw Sheehan check back and deliver a decent cross from the left flank. Collins appeared to be alive to the cross but misread the flight and was unable to get a firm connection on the ball. Two big let off for Forest Green inside 2 minutes and it was no surprise to see Matt sacrificed for Davison moments later. On 104 minutes, a bright County move saw them switch play well from right to left and then back inside with Demetriou finding Maynard. He had the option to set up Haynes who was well positioned edge of the area but elected to shoot but his effort was rising over the bar.

The second half in injury time was littered with fouls with both sides struggling to gain a foothold and several players looking very weary. County directed a couple of decent balls into the area which Forest Green managed to hook clear with some tired clearances. County were more effective when they locked the ball down final third with both Maynard and Collins effective working the centre backs. On 118 minutes, Forest Green had a glimmer of a chance when Richardson did well drive to the right by line and his deep ross was picked up by Davison but the effort was poked wide of the left post. Forest Green had a couple of decent situations causing County anxiety from long throws by Cargill but County ruthlessly punished them on 119 minutes. Collins was picked out early on the right flank and he cut inside before clipping an excellent cross into the area which dropped over Bernard. Maynard sneaked in to pinch the ball and round the keeper before slamming home from close range. With Forest Green committed to push, County were close to another goal on 120+1 minutes when Haynes precise pass found Maynard and this time he got in an early shot from near “d” which clipped the right post. Forest Green made a very late change with Wagstaff replacing Bernard but no sooner it was made the referee blew up and County confirmed their place in the a second League Two play-off final in the last 3 seasons.

King (6) — struggled to adapt with conditions on times. Indecisive on some crosses not commanding area. Kicking a bit erratic, but made some good saves to smother threat from runs in behind.

Shephard (7) — put under pressure with some headers but remained composed distributing well under pressure. More effective when he pushed on later in game providing some good crosses

Haynes (8) — excellent game, dealt well with Wilson and had the better coming forward. Timed his runs well, passed accurately and put in several excellent crosses from wide areas.

Demetriou (7) — dealt well with Matt and recovered well after knock first half. Brave in his low tackles and distributed well providing added value with crosses and link play in Forest Green half

Bennett (6) — Didn’t win enough of his headers and seemed a bit of out position allowing ball to drop. Passed well but looked a little weary today before being replaced.

Lewis (5) — got punished for indecision, struggled to contain Cadden. Less effective with throws into erratic wind but did well before half time providing searching crosses before early change.

Dolan (6) — struggled to get a foothold in game with ball going over his head a lot. Always had an eye for precise pass, had set piece opportunities first half but elected to go short.

Sheehan (7) — busy first half and kept play ticking over well. forced to defend deeper second half and saw less ball but showed immense fitness and stamina late on passing well to pick holes.

Hartigan (5) — made some wrong decisions with ball at feet and perhaps lacked experience in moments. Worked hard and went close few times in and around area before being replaced by:

Labadie (7) — was forced to defend deeper second half with conditions dictating but showed value again with key goal and kept battling mopping up danger well in extra time.

Amond (6) — quiet game, worked hard off the ball but couldn’t seem to effect game as he would have liked final third needing ball on head inside area. Replaced at half time by:

Ellison (7) — dropped off a bit deeper to menace and used intelligence and experience to pick his battles. Superbly struck goal from distance changed game in and instant.

Collins (7) — worked hard to get into game but struggled to get clear-cut chances. Got brushed off a few challenges, needs to stand up for himself and be bolder. Excellent pass for winning goal.

Strengths — they were effective carrying the ball from deep especially left channel and put in some quality on crosses. Front three played well before fading late on second half.

Weaknesses — expansive formation left gaps either side of 18 yard box and defenders got dragged about. Persisted with direct game into Matt picking up scraps and had little alternative plan

Opportunities — gambled to play 3–4–3 formation which paid dividends for an hour before County took more control. Made late changes to freshen up with energy but lacked edge.

Threats — Collins left wing pace in transition and early shots in. Matt aerial prowess, Cadden crosses left side and set pieces. Adams roamed final third

OFFICIALS

Martin Coy (7) — managed conditions well allowing play to flow despite lots of fouls. Ignored some late crude fouls but got key decisions right

MAN OF THE MATCH

Ryan Haynes — was missed when out of side and gave County balance today with several intelligent runs and excellent crosses. Passed well when he had when others waivered on tricky surface.

IF YOU WERE MICHAEL FLYNN WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

County showed immense character today after conceding a very charitable third goal with the more experienced players really digging them out of a few holes. Although aspects of their defending will concern them, the conditions were very erratic and conducive to mistakes but County will know they need to cut these out if they are to make the holy grail of League One football next season. Labadie made a big difference coming on, not only with his goal but his captains drive and leadership after a very passive start by County as a team. Collins again got into some good positions but needs to show more teeth to get across the defender and on shoulder of last man of a big Wembley pitch. County kept their composure and fresh mind despite the adversity and that was key because when the heat was really on today they answered the big questions. County will now play a Morecambe side that they have beaten twice already this season and know very well. Morecambe have been effective by letting sides have more of the ball than them, but utilise a 4–5–1 formation well with Stockton a key outlet up top and Wildig eye for goal in behind. County need to stifle the flow into Stockton and stifle wide areas in transition with Mendez-Gomez key outlet left wing and McAlinden playing right side but flexible enough to cut in on his more favoured left foot. Morecambe will have a couple of injury concerns with left back Hendrie doubtful and right sided Lyons easing back after a broken nose. This will be a completely different game with the weather settling down and the wide Wembley pitch encouraging good football. County need to keep patience and discipline to shift Morecambe about and nullify their threat from the flanks as in turn they can punish them as space will develop more and more as game progresses.