91�ȱ�

Blackburn will meet Oxford in the fourth round of the FA Cup after winning a feisty match at Newport.

Half-time substitute Jordan Rhodes headed home a superb winner for the Championship side, who had Chris Brown dismissed after 10 minutes for a scything tackle on Medy Elito.

Rovers had taken an early lead through a Ben Marshall penalty before Mark Byrne equalised from 25 yards.

League Two Newport had goalkeeper Joe Day sent off in injury time.

Day was dismissed for a professional foul on Rovers substitute Craig Conway, bringing down his opponent with a clumsy challenge just outside his area.

It was a frustrating end to a night that could have been very different for the Welsh side, especially given that Scott Boden wasted a wonderful chance to earn a replay, missing the target from six yards with a free header on 80 minutes.

This was arguably Newport's biggest FA Cup match since they lost 2-0 at Sunderland's Roker Park 30 years ago. And it was only the second game in charge for Warren Feeney, who took over following the departure of John Sheridan to Oldham last week - but it got off to a terrible start for the home side.

The original tie was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch but despite a tricky surface Marshall assuredly slotted home a penalty he won after being clipped by Scott Barrow with just eight minutes played.

Referee Charles Breakspear was back at the centre of the action just 90 seconds later, showing Brown a straight red card for his challenge on Elito.

With a man advantage, Newport soon found their rhythm against Paul Lambert's side and drew level before half-time via Byrne's thunderous strike, which went in off the underside of the bar.

Byrne had already gone close before scoring and Connor Dymond struck the woodwork for the home side.

However, Wales midfielder Tom Lawrence will have impressed his watching international manager Chris Coleman when his pinpoint cross was headed home by Rhodes in front of the away fans.

Newport manager Warren Feeney: "I am disappointed with the second-half performance but I can't be too hard on these players after that effort.

"The league is obviously our priority despite this being a big game for us. I'm proud of the performance of the players."

Blackburn manager Paul Lambert: "We looked to be positive even a man down and in the second half only one side looked like winning it.

"We hope to have more good news for fans on Tuesday, with a new signing."