Newport County threaten to close terrace after object thrown onto field for second successive game

A thrilling FA Cup tie was marred by an object being thrown onto the field for the second successive game at Rodney Parade.

Newport County led 2-0 inside the first 10 minutes through an Anthony Glennon free-kick and a smart finish from Kai Whitmore, but League One Peterborough showed their superior quality thereafter to run out deserved 4-2 winners.

Two late strikes from substitute Ricky-Jade Jones sealed Posh’s passage to round two after Abraham Odoh and Joel Randall had drawn Darren Ferguson’s men level.

READ MORE:Former Port-Talbot steelworker now sets sight on a new career

READ MORE:Boss laid off member of staff because she came back from maternity leave pregnant again

And County were forced to issue a statement after the match following reports of an object being thrown into the visiting technical area, a repeat of a similar incident during last week’s 0-0 home draw with Fleetwood Town.

“It is the second consecutive game that an object has been thrown from the terracing behind the dug-out into the technical area,” read the Exiles statement.

“This is despite a public warning in the week that future incidents could lead to a fine for the club, plus stadium bans and potential prosecution for individuals.

“The club is currently reviewing CCTV footage and details of any individual seen throwing an object will be forwarded to the police for potential prosecution and receive an immediate stadium ban.

“The club will also consider closing the terrace immediately behind the dug-out for future games, as it has done in the past.

“We remind supporters once again that this behaviour is completely unacceptable, dangerous, and we will maintain our zero-tolerance policy going forward.”

Head coach Nelson Jardim praised the efforts of his players but admitted that the visitors were the better team after recovering from County’s blistering start.

“We are frustrated with the result, but I was proud about the effort of everyone. We have shown that we really compete,” said the Exiles boss.

“It was such a good start and there were plenty of positives from the game. We knew that we were facing a very strong side from League One with very good players, but I am proud of my team.

“We talk about the effort, commitment and the spirit. We have shown that we are a team with strong characters in it.

“They had quality but so do we, they just showed a little bit extra,” added the Portuguese. “We were competing hard, but we faced some players who I am sure that we will see in the Premier League in the future.

“We knew that Peterborough’s front four are very good players and that as a team they always find a way to find them.

“When they did find them, we saw their quality and as a coach I’d like to have those sort of wingers in my side.”