FOOTBALLER Dan Butler did himself and the Isle of Wight proud with the way he played for Newport County against the multi-million pound stars of Manchester City in the FA Cup last night (Saturday).

Isle of Wight County Press:

Dan Butler tussles for the ball with Man City's Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus. 

Man City, who showed their respect for the competition and their League 2 giant-killing opposition by fielding a strong line-up, did not have the off-day Island-born Dan had hoped for, but they kept the cup favourites at bay for 51 minutes in this fifth round tie at Rodney Parade.

Isle of Wight County Press:

Dan Butler up against man of the match Phil Foden, who scored twice for Man City.

Dan, who played left back, had a busy game, fending off wave after wave of City attacks, but managed to keep Gabriel Jesus quiet and did a great job keeping the excellent Riyad Mahrez at bay for the vast majority of the match.

The final score of 4-1 to Man City was a flattering scoreline in the end, with two goals scored in the dying minutes, but football fans around the world were rubbing their eyes in disbelief at the goalless half-time score.

Isle of Wight County Press:

Newport's Dan Butler keeps his concentration against Riyad Mahrez.

Watched by a vast audience worldwide, Newport were praised highly, with Dan's performance and mention of his Island links by BT Sport commentator Ian Darke, putting the Isle of Wight on the map.  

Football fans on social media around the world were full of praise and admiration for Dan and his Newport team-mates.

Put into perspective by Darke, Newport's squad value totals £70,000, against Manchester City, the world's most richly-assembled squad, valued at around £450 million.

Isle of Wight County Press:

Newport defender Dan Butler in action against Man City's Spanish genius, David Silva.

The FA Cup has been one of great milestones for the former Cowes High School student over the past few seasons, with giant-killing acts against past Premier League champions Leicester City, against Championship high-flyers Leeds United and Middlesborough, as well as taking Spurs to a replay at Wembley Stadium last season.

Dan, who joined the club in June 2016 from Torquay United, said before the game: "Playing Man City is one of those games you can only dream of playing in as a League 2 footballer.

Isle of Wight County Press:

Man City striker Gabriel Jesus (with ball) being tightly marked by Newport defender Dan Butler.

"Sometimes, if you're lucky, you may play one of the top teams in pre-season, but very rarely in the fifth round of the FA Cup. 

"I would be lying if I didn’t dream of one day playing against this calibre of players every week.

"Every Sunday, I sit on the sofa and watch these players do the business against the best players in the world — the likes of Sterling, Aguero, Stones and Walker."

Isle of Wight County Press:

Man City forward Riyad Mahrez (on the ball) was dangerous all game against Newport, but Dan Butler kep him at bay for most of the match.

After the game, Man City boss Pep Guardiola ackowledged the efforts of Newport against his star-studded side.

"It was tight. We scored the third goal just before 90 minutes, but we knew the game would be tight," he said.

Isle of Wight County Press:

Newport left back Dan Butler kept Man City striker Gabriel Jesus (on the ball) quiet for most of the game.

"We knew we would have to be ready to compete because it would be tough — and it was."

It's back to the reality of League 2 football on Tuesday evening for Dan, away at bottom club Notts County, as he tries to help his side push up the table in contention for a play-off place.