“NEWPORT County, a club that rose from the ashes. Built on steel, built on grit, built on defiance, defying the odds once again,” declared Sky Sports commentator Gary Weaver, absolutely nailing it after a thrilling Sunday night at Field Mill.

I’m struggling to recall a more entertaining 0-0 draw that I’ve witnessed.

Although, unless you were a neutral, it was more edgy than enjoyable.

The tension was almost unbearable at times as I watched from the press box surrounded by the home fans.

And even reviewing the TV coverage yesterday, knowing the outcome of every goalmouth scramble and each gilt-edged chance, I found myself getting nervous whenever Tyler Walker or Danny Rose neared Joe Day’s goal.

Even after two viewings I’m still not sure how County didn’t see off Mansfield Town in normal time.

Josh Sheehan and Padraig Amond both should have scored before the break, while Joss Labadie nodded against the bar and Scot Bennett smashed the woodwork at the other end after the interval.

It was a magnificent performance and by far the best I’ve seen from a County side at Mansfield.

There have been some horrible trips to the oldest ground in the Football League since I’ve been covering the club.

I missed the 4-3 win in 2012 and there are very few who will remember the club’s only previous victory at Field Mill in 1939.

But plenty of County fans will have recalled the 3-0 defeat on the opening day of the season, not to mention a couple of 5-0 hammerings, as they made their way to Nottinghamshire again at the weekend.

And it could easily have been another tale of woe and what might have been if Walker hadn’t shot inches wide five minutes from the end of normal time or if referee Michael Salisbury had awarded the Nottingham Forest loanee a penalty moments before the end of extra-time.

Such are the fine margins between delight and dejection.

In truth, it was a game that neither side deserved to lose.

But there won’t be too many people around these parts feeling sorry for Stags boss David Flitcroft after his, somewhat justifiable, whinging at Rodney Parade.

South Wales Argus:

And, after Joe Day’s save from Walker and Matty Dolan’s ice cool winning penalty, the scenes of celebration at the County end were a joyous distraction as I tried to sum up all of the drama in my match report.

The 1,118 travelling fans were a credit to the club as they cheered their heroes on to glory and another trip to Wembley is the perfect reward for their outstanding support throughout what has already been an incredible season.

Whatever happens on May 25, everyone connected with the club can be proud of what has been achieved in the league and the cups.

The progress made under Michael Flynn and his staff has been simply sensational.

Two years ago the Exiles were two minutes away from relegation back to the National League and potential oblivion before Mark O’Brien’s miraculous last-gasp winner completed the Great Escape.

Now, after a record-equalling run to the FA Cup fifth round, they are just 90 minutes away from promotion to League One.

Victory at Wembley would turn an amazing campaign into one of the best in the history of club.

One more big push will ensure that Day, Dolan, O’Brien and the entire squad will go down in the annals as Newport County AFC legends.

And anyone looking for omens ahead of the big day will be pleased to know that on the two previous occasions that County have returned triumphant from Mansfield, they have gone on to win promotion.

With that and O’Brien’s lucky beard on their side, the Exiles could just give this superb season the perfect ending.