Newport pull off great escape as Hartlepool are relegated from League Two… much to Jeff Stelling’s dismay
Soccer Saturday host endures as rollercoaster of emotions as he watches his side's 96-year stay in the Football League end
JEFF STELLING endured a miserable afternoon as his beloved Hartlepool were relegated out of the Football League on Saturday.
The Sky Sports presenter could only watch on in agony as his men defeated title-hunting Doncaster Rovers but still ended up going down.
In a dramatic climax to the League Two season, it was Newport County that pulled off a miraculous escape as Mark O’Brien’s late winner secured their survival and a 2-1 victory over Notts County.
Having taken the lead through Mickey Demetriou, the Welsh side were pegged back and looked to be going down as Jorge Grant equalised for the Magpies.
And that sparked the exciting scenes in the north east – and in the Sky studio – as a quickfire double from Devante Rodney saw them come from a goal down to take the lead against Donny.
But there was still late drama in store.
MOST READ IN FOOTBALL
With just a minute remaining, O’Brien volleyed home to fire Newport to safety.
That ensured a tense final few moments at Rodney Parade, but it was pure elation as the final whistle finally blew to spark joyous celebrations.
But up at Victoria Park it was misery all-around as Poolies 96-year stay in the Football League came to an end.
It will be a crunch summer for the club, who are without a manager following the dismissal of Dave Jones last month.
Defender Mattew Bates, 30, has been in temporary charge for their final two matches of the campaign.
Meanwhile, Newport’s exploits will go down in history as one of the greatest escapes.
The Exiles were 11 points adrift in March, but their fine end of season form saw them finish two points above the drop zone.