Newport County 2 Harrogate Town 1: Advertiser player ratings

Will Smith's 44th-minute goal cancelled out Padraig Amond's opener, shortly after the visitors saw captain Josh Falkingham dismissed for what referee Paul Howard deemed two bookable offences.

Despite their numerical disadvantage, Town more than matched their hosts after the break, Aaron Martin having an effort ruled out for offside before George Thomson spurned a glorious chance to put his side 2-1 up.

Disaster then struck two minutes from full-time when Brandon Cooper headed home from just a couple of yards out to decide the outcome of the contest.

Here's an assessment of how Simon Weaver's players performed during Saturday's League Two clash in South Wales.

James Belshaw 7 - Made a good save to deny Padraig Amond at 0-0, but couldn't do much about either goal. Dealt with crosses into his box competently.

Warren Burrell 6 - Back in his favoured position of right-back due to the absence of Ryan Fallowfield, but allowed a few too many balls to be delivered into the Harrogate penalty area.

Will Smith 7 - Defensive qualities shone through again and he was also in the right place at the right time to claim Town's equaliser just before half-time.

Connor Hall 6 - Thrown up front in the final few minutes as a makeshift centre-forward and caused a few problems having maintained a solid defensive shape at the back with Smith before Newport grabbed their second.

Dan Jones 8 - ADVERTISER STAR MAN. Impressed defensively and in an attacking sense, particularly in the air with his header from George Thomson's corner which led to Town's goal. Also performed well when defending one-on-one, though was booked later in the game.

George Thomson 6 - Missed the visitors' best chance of the game, one that would have put them 2-1 up. Did however provide a constant threat with his set-piece delivery.

Josh Falkingham 5 - Sent off after 37 minutes for two bookings. The first looked extremely harsh, but was followed by a second for what referee Paul Howard interpreted as simulation.

Lloyd Kerry 7 - Started the game slowly but got better and better on his return from injury, getting through his fair share of work in midfield.

Brendan Kiernan 6 - The unfortunate man to make way due to Falkingham's sending off, though he wasn't overly involved during the 40 minutes that he did play.

Jack Muldoon 7 - Created Town's best chance for Thomson and will claim the assist for Smith's goal. Worked hard on the left-hand side having been moved there following Harrogate's tactical reshuffle.

Aaron Martin 7 - Was left with the difficult task of pressuring a back-three on his own and made what would have been a point-saving header moments before being replaced by Mark Beck. Also had the ball in the Newport net, only for it to be ruled out for offside.

Connor Kirby (on for Kiernan, 41) 7 - Helped Town more than compete despite being a man down, will now be looking at Tuesday's game against Tranmere as an opportunity to impress in the absence of Falkingham.

Mark Beck (on for Martin, 85) - N/A.