Newport continued their impressive away form with a hard-earned victory over a strong Colden Common side on a stunning autumn afternoon, with neighbouring Winchester Rugby Club adding to the lively atmosphere.

The Port took time to settle but established a two-goal lead through excellent finishes from Ji Nash and Connor Kelly. The hosts responded strongly after the break, pulling a goal back and putting Newport under sustained pressure before Keelan Walsh settled matters late on.

With Thompsett and Holbrook gaining valuable minutes for the reserves, and skipper Macauley Watterson serving the final game of his three-match suspension, Newport retained the centre-back partnership of Harri Catania and Jez Conway.

Kudzhi Mazambara got the nod ahead of Walsh in midfield, while Josh Younie moved further forward and Kai Grace reverted to right-back.

Once Newport got to grips with Colden Common’s midfield shape, they began to carry more of a threat. Two Younie corners caused problems, Conway fired over after the ball rebounded to him, and Nash had a couple of early efforts comfortably dealt with by the home goalkeeper.

The breakthrough came after 26 minutes. Kelly appeared on the left and delivered a superb cross for Nash, who met it six yards out and buried a sublime volley.

Five minutes later, Kelly added his own name to the scoresheet. This time attacking from the right, he took on his defender before drilling a right-footed shot across the goalkeeper and into the far corner.

Newport threatened to extend their advantage before the interval. Mazambara almost slipped Jordan Browne through, while Nash nearly turned provider for Kelly, his square pass narrowly failing to reach his teammate with an empty net waiting.

Colden Common remained dangerous, however, and a combination of last-ditch blocks and wayward finishing preserved Newport’s two-goal lead at the break.

Hosts turn up the pressure

The home side pushed forward immediately after the restart. Their finishing initially let them down, but the pressure eventually brought a deserved goal, a well-struck Bicknell effort following work from Parker and Middleton in the middle of the pitch.

With the hosts sensing an equaliser, Leon Pitman produced an outstanding save and followed it with another important stop shortly afterwards.

A succession of Colden Common corners kept Newport under pressure, but the defence held firm. Walsh replaced Mazambara, bringing fresh energy and helping the Port move further up the pitch, and in the 85th minute, Browne tackled a Colden defender, the ball falling to Walsh who calmly finished to restore the two goal lead.

There was also a first-team debut for 16-year-old Ollie O’Neill, who looked comfortable after coming on in the second half and showed an impressive turn