MOST professional footballers never get the chance in their careers to play at Wembley Stadium, but Isle of Wight-born footballer Dan Butler will be making his second trip there after helping his Newport County side beat Mansfield Town after a dramatic penalty shoot-out this evening (Sunday).

Newport, after they drew their first leg game 1-1 with the Stags at Rodney Parade on Thursday, were still level after 0-0 at full time, with no further goals added in extra time.

Butler, playing at left back, helped his Newport side reach the League 2 play-off final by coolly slotting home the first penalty as they went on to win 5-3 on penalties.

There were wild celebrations at the final whistle with the 1,100 travelling fans from South Wales.

Newport will meet either Forest Green Rovers or Tranmere at Wembley on Saturday, May 25.

Butler, a former Cowes High School student, had already created his biggest career milestone yet this season by being on the winning side against Middlesbrough in the fourth round of the FA Cup and then losing to a rampant Man City side poised to win the domestic treble.

Wembley is a venue Butler already knows well having played for Newport against Spurs in the FA Cup last season, when the Londoners' temporary home was the national stadium. 

Dan joined Newport County in June 2016 from Torquay United.

It was his cross in Newport's final league game of the season against Morecambe which led to the vital equaliser and point gained, to ensure a place in the play-offs.