Neil Warnock pictured with Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola. This Saturday, Guardiola's City will face Newport County at Rodney Pride in the FA Cup. Pic: Getty Images.

S-Chuks! Aneke Fires Last Gasp Winner Against Newport

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Newport County 0, MK Dons 1

Substitute Chuks Aneke, a London-born striker who made one appearance for Arsenal’s first team, struck a decisive blow for MK Dons against Newport County at Rodney Parade.

The Exiles are only six days away from playing Manchester City at home in the Emirates FA Cup and the last thing they needed was a heart-breaking League Two defeat at home.

Manager Michael Flynn’s team were the better team, but failed to score the goals they needed and Aneke struck in the 88th minute.

County hit the woodwork several times, but failed to score and Aneke popped up with his 13th goal of the season.

The defeat means the Exiles slip to 15th in League Two, but they are only eight points off the play-off places with a game in hand.

Flynn elected made two changes to the side who won against Mansfield last time out.

Fraser Franks returned after an ankle ligament injury, while deadline day signing Ben Kennedy made his hime debut.

Mark O’Brien went to the bench and Joss Labadie missed out completely as Flynn decided to implement a 4-4-2 formation in South Wales.

MK Dons had earned only two wins from 10 matches and manager Paul Tisdale made five team changes.

Tyreeq Bakinson saw a menacing shot tipped over the top by away goalkeeper Stuart Moore midway through the first half, while Robbie Willmott and Jamille Matt both went close.

Bakinson hit the bar after a 45-yard run, while Fraser Franks hit a post from a corner.

Kennedy headed against the bar/post when Newport went agonisingly close again.

When County lost possession in the centre a shot bay Jake Hesketh forced a wonderful stop from Joe Day in the County goal, but Aneke was on hand to tap home from close range.

It was a devastating defeat to Newport’s play-off hopes, but now they focus on Saturday’s sell-out FA Cup clash with Manchester City.

Newport County AFC (4-4-2): Day, Butler, Franks (Sheehan 90), Demetriou, Poole, Kennedy (Dolan 70), Bakinson, Bennett, Willmott, Matt, Amond (Marsh-Brown 83). Subs not used: Townsend, Pipe, Azeez, O’Brien

MK Dons (3-5-2): Moore, Lewington, Cargill, Walsh, Martin (Hesketh 75), Brittain, Cisse, Gilbey, McGrandles, Wheeler (Aneke 75), Agard. Subs not used: Nicholls, Baudry, Hesketh, Houghton, Harley, Walker

Referee: Kevin Johnson

Attendance: 2,816 (114 away)

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