DRAPER HITS TREBLE AS HE DENIES EXILES

WALSALL boss Mat Sadler sang the praises of hat-trick hero Freddie Draper after the teenager rescued a late point for the Saddlers

- Andrew Penman

County midfielder Bryn Morris thought he’d won it for Newport with goals in the fourth and 67th minutes, while in between Exiles striker Will Evans claimed his 12th goal of the season, but Draper had the final say with his third leveller of the night.

Draper had earlier scored after 16 and 53 minutes to haul the visitors level twice.

Sadler was delighted for the 19-year-old Lincoln City loanee and he’s hoping he can keep hold of him beyond January, although with the Imps’ current striker shortage and lack of goals, they will no doubt be keeping very close tabs on their player, who took his tally to eight in just 13 outings in a Saddlers shirt.

The youngster also now has 16 goals in the calendar year after a productive loan spell at Drogheda between February and June.