Jason Steele makes brutally honest admission after FA Cup penalty shoot-out heroics at Newport

Steele, who was at fault for Newport’s equaliser in the final seconds of normal time, made four penalty saves to send the Seagulls through.

Brighton thought they had won the tie when Solly March struck from the edge of the penalty area with just 10 seconds of the 90 minutes remaining.

But Newport saved themselves with the final act in the sixth minute of stoppage time, Steele letting Liam Shephard’s cross slip through his grasp and the unfortunate Adam Webster diverted the ball into his own net to set up extra time.

Webster, though, scored the decisive spot-kick after Pascal Gross, Lewis Dunk and Davy Propper had been on target for Brighton, with Joss Labadie, Ryan Taylor and Jamie Proctor replying for Newport.

"I'm happy that we're through to the next round. I'm really thankful for that because I nearly cost us in the last minute.

"A lot of credit has to go to my goalkeepeing coach who had done a lot of research.

"I did feel a little bit of pressure. I'm a responsible 30-year-old adult and I know when I've played well. I feel like I played well but made one mistake that cost us a goal. In the end I dug myself out of it!

"We showed the ultimate respect in our team selection. We knew what was coming. We've done our job and we now prepare for a tough week ahead.

"I thought we performed well and hopefully it can [provide a springboard]."

Defeat was harsh on Newport’s outstanding goalkeeper Tom King, who made two stops in the shoot-out himself. He had earlier denied Andi Zeqiri and Dunk with breathtaking saves during the second half.

Brighton boss Graham Potter, back in south Wales after a one-season stop in 2018-19, made five changes from the side which shared six goals with Wolves in their last Premier League outing.

But Ben White, who made 51 appearances for Newport on loan three seasons ago, was retained as Brighton sought to claim a first win since November 21.

Padraig Amond should have put Newport ahead inside four minutes after racing on to Dunk’s weak back pass, but the cup specialist who had scored in memorable wins over Leicester and Middlesbrough sent his effort wide of the far post.

Brighton went even closer after 34 minutes when Zeqiri’s close-range effort at the far post was arrowing in before King thrust out an arm to direct the ball over the crossbar.

Newport had been mostly tamed after their initial burst, but an error from the over-casual Steele almost led to them being gifted an opening goal.

Amond lobbed the ball goalwards but Dunk had stayed alert to retreat on to the goal-line and hook to safety.

Newport were buoyed by that opportunity and forced pressure situations either side of the interval with some dangerous set-piece deliveries worrying the visitors.

It was now more of an even contest than it had been for large periods of the first half, but the Brighton threat was still there and Zeqiri headed over from eight yards.

Brighton also appealed for a penalty when Dunk fell, but referee Lee Mason waved play on and substitute Propper fired the loose ball wide.

King reacted well to tip over March’s mishit cross, but Brighton were relieved to see Steele block Josh Sheehan’s fierce shot before an extraordinary finale in normal time.

"It was quite traumatic to watch," said Potter. "Seeing the keeper make the saves and still be in the shootout was quite frustrating.

"But that can happen in the FA Cup and this is a difficult, unique place to come. Anything can happen and it probably did.

"Jason Steele is honest and supportive of the team. I'm delighted for him in how he's contributed to us going through.

"I didn't expect anything else [but a hard game] on a really difficult playing surface. It makes it hard to find real quality. The way Newport played they were always in the game.

"It's the start of a big week for us. We want to get three results and we've got the first one. It's a huge challenge and that's what we have to get ready for."