Biggins and Garner rescue Newport point at Rotherham

Newport County recovered from two early goals to earn a 2-2 draw at Rotherham United on Tuesday, with Harrison Biggins and Ged Garner restoring County’s foothold in the match. Paul Mullin’s penalty and an Aaron Nemane finish had put the hosts two goals ahead inside the opening 12 minutes. Biggins replied from the spot before half-time, and Garner converted from close range in the second half to secure a point for Hayden Mullins’ side.

County find a way back

Hayden Mullins made four changes to County’s starting side, bringing in Alfie Merritt, Joe Thomas, Ged Garner and Michael Adu-Poku for the trip to South Yorkshire. Rotherham’s opener came after Joe Thomas was penalised for handball. Nemane then finished from Jayce Fitzgerald’s through ball to double the advantage. Michael Adu-Poku helped County respond, winning the penalty that Biggins converted in the 28th minute. Matt Dibley-Dias blocked an effort as Rotherham threatened to restore the two-goal lead before the interval. Jordan Wright made a double save early in the second half to keep Newport in contention. Garner then reacted to a ball that came off the Rotherham goalkeeper and scored the equaliser in the 54th minute. Substitute Kion Etete later won a corner and a free-kick as County sought a winner. Matt Smith shot over from distance, and captain Kyle Cameron could not keep a late chance from a set-piece on target. Mullin also went narrowly wide for the hosts.

Less of the ball, as many shots

API-Football recorded 38% possession for Newport against Rotherham’s 62%, but both sides finished with 12 shots. Rotherham put five on target to County’s four. Newport’s chances produced 1.92 expected goals compared with the home side’s 1.44. Those estimates describe the chances created rather than changing the result; County had nine shots inside the box to Rotherham’s seven. The club recorded an away following of 216. That is the travelling support, rather than the total attendance.