Newport County 2 - 2 Cheltenham Town: Jon Parkin bags a brace but Newport held at home

Posted Sunday, September 11, 2016 by PA

Jon Parkin scored twice as Newport were held to a 2-2 draw by Cheltenham in Sky Bet League Two.

The 34-year-old striker netted both his goals during a breathless first half in which the home side twice came from behind.

Robins midfielder Asa Hall grabbed the first of four first-half goals with a shot from the edge of the box after 10 minutes before Parkin got his first of the afternoon eight minutes later following a Jack Compton corner.

Danny Wright then put the visitors in front from the penalty spot in the 34th minute after Paul Bignot brought down Harry Pell.

Parkin got his second of the half with a smart left-foot finish from Sean Rigg's cross before Reece Grego-Cox almost put Newport ahead going into the break but his shot was well saved by Russell Griffiths.

Griffiths then produced another excellent save to deny Parkin his hat-trick at the beginning of the second half.

Compton hit the crossbar with a free-kick for Newport before goalkeeper Joe Day saved them at the other end with a stunning double stop to deny Pell and Jonny Smith.