CURTIS McDonald admits his brief stay at Newport County AFC was far from memorable but his last gasp leveller for Brackley Town on Sunday will be hard for Exiles fans to forget.

The 27-year-old headed past Joe Day in the 95th minute of the FA Cup first round tie to deny his former club a place in the second round and force a replay in Newport next week.

Cardiff-born McDonald, who started his career with his home-town club, is sure to get a heated reception at Rodney Parade after marking his goal with a Bluebirds ‘Ayatollah’ celebration.

His short stint as an Exile in the 2010-2011 season is unlikely to save him from the boos.

Along with Wayne Hatswell and Mike Fowler, McDonald was signed on New Year’s Day 2011 by Dean Holdsworth.

That was just 10 days before Holdsworth left for Aldershot Town and McDonald made only three starts and two substitute appearances before being loaned back to Forest Green Rovers.

He joined Brackley the following year and Sunday’s goal, which clinched a 2-2 draw after County had led 2-0, was his first for the club in 80 appearances.

After the final whistle the left-back told the Northampton Herald & Post: "There were 11 heroes out there today, all of us played exceptionally well.

"Although I got the goal, we worked very hard in the second half to get back in it and to be in the hat for the next round is the main thing.

"We just had to keep believing and we were all pushing each other on, saying 'keep going, get one more chance.' We got it and scored and everyone is absolutely buzzing.

"We're not through yet and we've got another tough game next Tuesday. I'd just like to get through first then it would be a buzz to be in the second round."

When asked about his time with County, McDonald said: "I had a short period there and it didn't quite work out for me, but I still watch out for their results.

"Dean Holdsworth brought me in and I didn't do myself justice, I think, when I was there. I wasn't good enough at the time and I went off to Forest Green.

"It was gutting at the time, but that's how it goes sometimes and I did well when I went back to Forest Green then I came down here and I'm loving it."