Newport County 1 - 1 Luton Town: Luton's automatic promotion bid suffers another setback at struggling Newport

Posted Wednesday, March 22, 2017 by PA

Luton suffered another setback in their bid for automatic promotion as they were held to a 1-1 draw at relegation-battling Newport.

The Hatters recorded a third successive draw despite going ahead through Danny Hylton's fifth-minute penalty and playing the last nine minutes with a man advantage.

Sean Rigg had levelled in the 28th minute for the Exiles, who had Mark O'Brien sent off for a second booking late on.

Luton sit five points behind third-placed Portsmouth after failing to capitalise fully on their game in hand, while Newport moved to within six points of safety.

Hylton fired the visitors into an early lead, slotting in his 24th goal of the season after being fouled by Sid Nelson in the area.

But Newport responded when Rigg's fine free-kick from 25 yards beat Luton goalkeeper Matt Macey.

Hylton was denied by Newport keeper Joe Day shortly before half-time. Newport substitute Tom Owen-Evans found Macey in fine form in the second period.

O'Brien received his second caution of the game for a foul on Isaac Vassell but the Hatters could not find a late winner.