The Port made the short journey to Sholing for their first league meeting with Hedge End. After a last-minute move to a Portakabin in the car park to get changed, Newport emerged into torrential rain and a gusty wind. The conditions were awful, but the artificial pitch suited them perfectly.

With four changes to the squad from last weekend, Newport were superb throughout the first half. Facing a side containing plenty of Southern League and Wessex Premier experience, the Port immediately took control.

The opening goal arrived after just two minutes. Excellent pressing forced a mistake in the home defence and Jordan Browne continued his fine start to the season with a confident finish.

Newport were first to everything. Their passing was crisp and precise, while Hedge End created little more than the occasional half-chance.

The hosts were reduced to ten men after ten minutes when their central defender was shown a straight red card for bringing down Joe Butcher. Hedge End made a double substitution soon afterwards as they tried to reorganise, but it made little difference.

Butcher doubled Newport’s lead from the right-hand side of the penalty area, although the home goalkeeper will feel he should have done better.

It was 3–0 shortly before half-time following a brilliant move down the right. Kai Grace reached the byline and delivered a perfectly weighted pass for Ji Nash, who calmly tucked the ball home.

Newport withdrew Keelan Walsh before the break as Hedge End tried to even up the numbers. Their physio was certainly kept busy during a physical first half.

The Port did not quite reach the same heights after the interval, but managed the game well. With a full bench available, the substitutions were timed well and helped disrupt the momentum Hedge End were beginning to build.

The hosts were awarded a penalty shortly after the hour, with few complaints from the large travelling support. Leon Pitman, however, produced an excellent save to keep them out.

Hedge End eventually pulled one back with a close-range effort bundled home from a corner. It gave them brief hope, but they were unable to find a second.

Instead, Newport completed the scoring. Connor Kelly raced clear and produced a superb lob over the onrushing goalkeeper. He left the field soon afterwards with a touch of cramp, but the goal moved him into the top ten of Newport’s all-time goalscorers.

There was still time for substitute Harri Catania to crash a snap-shot against the crossbar.

Newport were excellent all over the pitch, with Joe Butcher named man of the match after contributing a goal and an assist. The player-manager even ended the afternoon wearing the captain’s armband.

A special mention also goes to young George Holbrook, who made his 100th Wessex League appearance. He produced another composed display alongside returning club captain Macauley Watterson, who completed a solid 70 minutes following the knee injury he suffered during pre-season.