The Newport team that suffered Wembley woe against Tranmere

The fifth-placed Exiles take on sixth-placed Forest Green Rovers for a place in the final on Monday, May 31.

If all goes according to plan, County will be at Wembley and could meet Tranmere Rovers again if the Wirral side make it past Morecambe.

Michael Flynn's side suffered a controversial 1-0 defeat to Tranmere in 2019, denied a late penalty when Jamille Matt was felled in the box and then beaten by a Connor Jennings goal at the end of extra time.

A lot has changed at Rodney Parade since then, so we take a look back at the defeated team of that day and where they are now…

25.05.19 - Newport County v Tranmere Rovers, Sky Bet League 2 Play-Off Final - Mickey Demetriou of Newport County and Matty Dolan of Newport County appeal to referee Ross Joyce after Jamille Matt of Newport County is brought down by Emmanuel Monthe of

Goalkeeper: Joe Day – Cardiff City (spent season on loan at Bristol Rovers)

After the playoff defeat Day made the short trip down the M4 to join Cardiff City. The man who played over 200 times for County has not had the same effect in the capital, spending his first season on loan at AFC Wimbledon before joining Bristol Rovers this most recent campaign.

It's fair to say it hasn't been the greatest season for Rovers as they finished bottom of League One. Day's contract expires this summer.

Defender: Regan Poole – Lincoln City

Poole returned to Newport for the second half of the campaign on loan from Manchester United, establishing himself as an important part of the side.

In January Poole signed for League One outfit Lincoln City, who are in a playoff battle of their own as they seek promotion to the Championship.

Match referee Ross Joyce shows a red card to Newport County's Mark O'Brien during the Sky Bet League Two Play-off final at Wembley Stadium, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday May 25, 2019. See PA story SOCCER League Two. Photo

Defender: Mark O'Brien (captain) – Retired

Former Exiles captain O'Brien was sent off at Wembley after 89 minutes. The Irishman, scorer of the winner against Notts County that secured the Great Escape, was forced into an early retirement in June 2020 as he required heart surgery, hanging up his boots aged 27.

Defender: Mickey Demetriou – Still at the club

Demetriou is as important to the Exiles now as he was that season, playing over 4,000 minutes in both campaigns, more than anyone else at the club.

Right wing-back: Robbie Willmott – Still at the club (spent second half of season on loan at Exeter City)

The versatile midfielder moved to Exeter in the transfer window and the Grecians missed out on the League Two play-offs. Willmott's County contract is up at the end of the campaign.

Left wing-back: Dan Butler – Peterborough United

Played a major role in the promotion push of 2018/19 and unlike the rest of the squad Butler did make the jump up to League One that summer, joining Peterborough United. He is still with the Posh and helped them to promotion to the Championship.

Tranmere Rovers' David Perkins (left) and Newport County's Joss Labadie battle for the ball during the Sky Bet League Two Play-off final at Wembley Stadium, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday May 25, 2019. See PA story SOCCER

Midfielder: Joss Labadie – Still at the club

Captain Labadie has played a crucial role in this season's campaign and aims to overcome a knee injury to lead the charge in the play-offs.

Midfielder: Scot Bennett – Still at the club

Bennett was briefly a free agent last summer but signed up for another year and has been a key figure this season, both in midfield and more recently at the heart of the defence.

Midfielder: Josh Sheehan – Still at the club

Even more important to the team now than two years ago. Became a Wales international this season because of his early-season form and will pull the strings in the play-offs. Out of contract this summer and sure to be in demand.

25.05.19 - Newport County v Tranmere Rovers, Sky Bet League 2 Play-Off Final - Padraig Amond of Newport County reacts on the final whistle as his team lose to Tranmere Rovers in the League 2 Play Off Final.

Forward: Padraig Amond – Still at the club

One thing separating this year's team from 2019 is the lack of a consistent goal-scoring threat. While Padraig Amond remains with the side, his eight goals across all competitions pales in comparison to the 21 he managed two seasons ago.

Forward: Jamille Matt – Forest Green

Another player hoping to enjoy a promotion-winning season – but with one of County's rivals. Scored 16 times for Forest Green to be nominated for League Two player of the season but is currently sidelined by a serious hand injury.

Under contract in Nailsworth for next season, which County hope will be in League Two.