Matty Dolan enjoyed one of his best moments in a Newport County shirt when he scored against Port Vale, but his evening ended in despair.
The midfield player was booked later during the 1-1 draw, his fifth caution of the season, and will miss next Saturday’s League Two match at Accrington Stanley because of suspension.
“It was nice to see Matty score his first goal, but I don’t care who scores as long as we win,” said manager Michael Flynn.
“I’m frustrated that we have thrown two points thrown.
“We were the better team without being at our best and we’ve just given them one of the softest goals I’ve seen.”
Robbie Willmott was outstanding for County through central midfield and created the chance which led to Dolan’s goal after 54 minutes.
Anton Forrester equalised after 80 minutes following a defensive error and Newport hopes of victory were dashed.
“They scored straight from our cross,” said Flynn. “There was no talking from the defenders and their players were free in the box.
“The boys’ effort and work rate was fantastic, it’s just a shame that we conceded such a poor goal. It was one of the softest I’ve seen.
“We knew were going to make it horrible, ugly, hit Tom Pope and try to get second balls.
“We dealt with him well because he is a handful.”
Newport are eighth in the table, just outside the play-off positions, while Vale are now 20th.
This fixture was moved to avoid a clash with Wales v Australia rugby union this evening, but County again fell short of the 3,000 attendance mark.
County now play second-placed Accrington away on Saturday before playing Barnet at home the following Tuesday.
Newport County: Day, White, O’Brien, Demetriou, Pipe, Tozer, Willmott, Dolan, Butler, McCoulsky (Amond 79), Nouble
Subs not used: Reynolds, Jackson, Bennett, Owen-Evans, Rigg, Bittner
Port Vale: Boot, Gibbons, Anderson, Smith, Gunning, Pugh (Montaño 73), Kay, Worrall (Regisa 74), Myers-Harness, Denton (Forrester 46), Pope. Subs not used: Hornby, Yates, Turner, Tonge.
Referee: John Busby
Attendance: 2,876