After facing Pagham just once in 50 years before last season, in the FA Vase, Newport travelled to Nyetimber Lane for the second consecutive year.

They were beaten by a side enjoying an excellent run of form, having reached the next round of the FA Cup in midweek.

Pagham played the first half into the wind. Newport, missing the attacking trio of Reynolds, Kelly and Nash, were guilty of overhitting their passes and created only one chance of note, when a Jordan Browne header struck the post.

The hosts carried the greater attacking threat and took an early lead with a header from a corner. Their second came on the stroke of half-time, when a wind-assisted cross crept into the far corner.

At 1-0, Newport would have felt they could get back into the game with the wind in their favour after the break. However, the second goal knocked the stuffing out of them.

The second half was, quite simply, awful. Both sides regularly gave away possession and neither could create anything resembling a clear chance.

As the game became fragmented and both teams appeared to accept the scoreline, Pagham grabbed a late third goal that greatly flattered them.

Newport continued to push forward and posed more of a threat once Kai Grace moved onto the right flank. A snapshot from Kudzhi Mazambara was the best they could muster.

The final action of the game saw Leon Pitman produce an outstanding save, which even brought the vocal home support to their feet in appreciation.

Newport return to league action on Tuesday with a trip to Romsey. Hopefully, a body or two will be able to return, with league football now the sole focus through the dark winter months and beyond.