AFC Wimbledon and Newport County played out a pulsating 1-1 draw in the EFL Cup at Plough Lane, leaving the first-round tie to be decided by the cruel lottery of a penalty shootout. After a contest full of ambition and attacking intent, neither side could find a decisive goal, meaning a place in the second round came down to spot-kicks.

Newport County strike first

The visitors arrived in south-west London with confidence and started brightly. Newport County’s pressing game caused problems for the Wimbledon defence in the opening exchanges, and they took a deserved lead midway through the first half. A well-worked corner was met at the near post, and the ball was powered into the roof of the net, silencing the home support.

Wimbledon responded well to going behind, slowly building momentum and creating several half-chances before the break. The home side’s best opportunity fell to a forward who met a cross with a glancing header, but the Newport goalkeeper did well to tip the ball around the post. At half-time, Wimbledon knew they needed a significant improvement to stay in the cup.

Wimbledon fight back

The second half was a far more intense affair as Wimbledon pushed forward with renewed purpose. They were rewarded with an equaliser in the 65th minute, when a determined run into the box ended with a low shot that squirmed under the Newport goalkeeper and over the line. The goal sparked wild celebrations at Plough Lane and set up a tense finale.

Both teams had chances to win the tie in the closing stages. Newport hit the woodwork from a free-kick, while Wimbledon saw a goalbound effort cleared off the line in stoppage time. With no extra time in the early rounds of the EFL Cup, the match finished 1-1 and moved straight to penalties.

EFL Cup drama beyond 90 minutes

• AFC Wimbledon 1-1 Newport County after 90 minutes.
• The tie went to a penalty shootout to determine who advanced in the EFL Cup.
• Both teams showed great character in a competitive first-round cup tie.

For AFC Wimbledon, the draw extended their unbeaten start to the season but brought the disappointment of failing to win a home cup tie in regulation time. Newport County, meanwhile, will believe they can be the happier side, having taken a League Two opponent to the wire on their travels. The EFL Cup continues to deliver drama, and this was another reminder of how fine the margins can be.