Newport secured their second 8-0 home victory of the season with an excellent all-round performance in front of another crowd of over 200 at the Island Stadium.

Having stalled slightly in recent weeks with a host of draws, before seeing their unbeaten away record come to an end at the weekend, it was important to get back to winning ways ahead of the upcoming 10-day break. With injuries once again forcing changes, Josh Younie returned at right-back, allowing Kai Grace to move into attack in place of Connor Kelly. Mikey Thompsett was back at centre-back, while Kudzhi Mazambara came into the starting XI, with Keelan Walsh dropping to the bench after some tireless recent performances. Aiden Sainsbury also earned a start.

Newport started brightly and, on a slick artificial surface, the passing was crisp, purposeful and incisive. The link-up play from back to front was sublime at times, and it wasn't long before Kai Grace opened the scoring with a neat finish at the back post.

Ji Nash soon doubled the advantage, and from that point onwards the evening belonged to the Newport striker. Named Man of the Match, Ji demonstrated over 90 minutes that the art of scoring goals can look remarkably simple when you read the game as well as he does. His awareness and anticipation around the box proved far too much for a young Totton defence, while his finishing throughout was nothing short of predatory.

Newport went into the break with a comfortable three-goal lead, Nash converting from the penalty spot after a handball before adding another close-range finish. There was a concern when Mikey Thompsett was forced off again, but Harri Catania slotted in alongside Jez Conway and the pair were excellent, dealing with everything that came their way.

The second half brought five more goals as Newport turned an already impressive performance into a resounding victory. Totton had arrived with confidence after an excellent point against runaway leaders New Milton the previous Saturday, but they simply couldn't cope with the movement and passing game Newport produced.

Although he didn't get on the scoresheet himself, Jordan Browne was excellent in linking the midfield and creating space for the marauding yellow shirts. Kudzhi Mazambara also arguably produced his best performance in a Newport shirt in the centre of the park, capping a fine display with a peach of a cross for Ji Nash to complete his hat-trick almost immediately after the restart.

Kai Grace then grabbed his second of the evening minutes later, before Nash added goals four and five to complete a superb individual haul. His fourth was a particular highlight, as he teased the goalkeeper, sat him down and finished with real composure and deft quality at the near post.

There was still time for the ever-popular Dan Pearson to get in on the act, rifling home after a shot had come back off the post, rounding off a superb evening for the home side.

A brilliant night under the lights, eight goals scored and three important points secured ahead of what promises to be a tough test away at Colden Common. Newport will hope the break allows a few bodies to recover and the squad to grow in numbers once again.

Finally, a special mention to our visitors, Totton. They continued to try to play football right to the very end, and the manner in which they conducted themselves off the pitch was equally appreciated by the Newport volunteers. They were a credit to themselves and their club.

Up the Port!