Warren Feeney's Newport knocked out of FA Cup by Blackburn
Jordan Rhodes guided 10-man Blackburn into the FA Cup fourth round by breaking Newport's resistance with a 75th-minute winner at Rodney Parade.
Rhodes, who was a half-time substitute, headed home Tom Lawrence’s cross past County goalkeeper Joe Day, who was sent off for a foul during the dying seconds, to secure victory and a trip to Oxford in the next round.
It represented an impressive show of resilience by Rovers, who had Chris Brown red-carded just 10 minutes into the game following a challenge on Medy Elito that saw the Newport winger carried off.
“We showed good character to get back into the game,” Newport manager Warren Feeney said.
“They are a quality team, and Jordan Rhodes was the difference. That’s why he is worth what he is.
“I wish Blackburn good luck in the next round. I thought we applied ourselves very well, and we look forward to Saturday (against Dagenham) now. That’s our main focus, the league.
“I want determination and desire. I was pleased with the players’ attitude tonight, but just a little bit disappointed that we couldn’t keep the momentum going in the second half.”