Goalkeeper Joe Day's wife goes into labour during match
Joe Day, 28, delivered a clean sheet for his team before rushing to his wife's side.
Wednesday 6 February 2019 14:02, UK
A goalkeeper had to make a hasty exit from his team's FA cup tie after his wife went into labour during the match.
Newport County keeper Joe Day ran off the pitch as soon as the final whistle was blown to find he had become a father to twin girls.
The "fully focused" 28-year-old had turned off his phone before the game and delivered a clean sheet, helping the side manage a 2-0 win over Middlesbrough.
Pictures of the baby girls posted to social media suggest they were born during the first half of the match, at 8:13pm and 8:35pm.
A tweet from the club confirmed the girls have been named Sophia Grace Day and Emelia Lillie Day.
Newport manager Michael Flynn said Day hugged him as soon as the 90 minutes were up and asked to leave.
He told BT Sport after the win: "I don't know if she's gone into labour but the way he sprinted off, I'd say there's a very good chance.
"As soon as the whistle went, he ran up to me and said could he go. I said 'Of course you can, do you want a lift?'
"He sprinted off, it's the quickest I've seen him move, but all our thoughts are with Joe and Lizzy and the arrival of the twins."
Day knew his wife was close to giving birth and had missed his team's first clash against Middlesbrough.
It ended in a draw, so he decided to join the replay line-up ten days later.
Newport now face a fifth-round home tie with Premier League champions Manchester City after goals from Robbie Willmott and Padraig Amond secured their win.
A tweet from Newport County AFC said: "Everyone connected with Newport County AFC would like to wish County's Number One Joe Day and his wife Lizzy all the very best!
"Nothing like a clean sheet to welcome in the birth, eh Joe?"