We're going up: Newport County's rise back to the football league
After finishing third in the Blue Square Conference Premier in the 12/13 season, Newport County were handed a play-off spot, and faced the task of beating fourth place side Grimsby Town in the semi-finals. Despite losing 3-0 to them just days before in a league game, Newport triumphed 2-0 on aggregate, winning both legs 1-0.
Image: Getty images
Image: Getty images
Newport made it to the final to face fellow Welsh team Wrexham AFC.
05/05/2013: Newport County beat Wrexham 2-0 in the Conference Premier play-off final
After 25 years of exile, Newport County finally returned to the fourth tier of English football, in a day for the history books at Wembley Stadium.
A special day; Newport County were able to secure their place in the football league with the win.
Wrexham started off the better team - dominating the opening periods - it took some good saves from goalkeeper Lenny Pidgeley to keep it level. His team would get through this rough patch, though, and start to create chances of their own.
Despite that, it took as long as 86 minutes for the first goal. During the highest of tensions, Christian Jolley was put through on goal and he took his chance - beating the goalkeeper with a delightful chip.
Minutes later during injury time, came probably the happiest moment of some people's lives. After his first attempt was saved, the ball came back to substitute Aaron O'Connor, who emphatically made it two.
Aaron O'Connor: "Hands down my best achievement"
Player's perspective
Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency
If it was a day to remember for the fans, it was a day to cherish for the players. More than just a fantastic memory, it was an achievement that many had been working their whole lives to accomplish.
Aaron O'Connor was one such person - coming off the bench to score the second goal, he describes it as the best moment of his career.
O'Connor went on to explain his feelings about being on the bench, revealing that at the time he was angry that he didn't start the game. He also explained what his former manager the late Justin Edinburgh, who had a "Sixth sense" according to the forward, had said to him.
Fan's perspective: "A brilliant day"
The build-up to the match was one of suspense. Many fans wondered if it was realistic to expect their team to win - especially after losing at Wembley the year before.
Exile Mike James was at the game; he spoke passionately about what stood out to him on the day.
James also picked his favourite of the two late goals, claiming the second was the one that gave him the best feeling.
Although it was almost eight years ago now, it doesn't seem a distant memory. It is indeed a day Newport fans will remember for their entire lives, and a day Wrexham fans will wish to forget for their entire lives, but this is the beauty of football.
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