NEW Newport manager Derek Ohren struck gold in his first match in charge as the St George's Park side beat Bashey 3-1.
As Newport prepare to play Fareham Town at St George's this evening, Tuesday night's match was the first of a triple-header in the Sydenhams Wessex Premier League.
Mathematically, Newport can avoid the drop, so it was job done as they won the first of the three, with a tough away game at Portchester on Saturday to come.
Win all three and they stand a chance of a great escape, but lose one and it becomes very tough. Lose both and it could be game over this season.
Up against injury-hit Bashley, who could only field ten fit players, which included two goalkeepers, and two players not there having missed their ferry, Newport took advantage of the situation.
'Port, boosted by the return of Spike Pearce, Liam Triggs, Jack Turkington and Tony Potts, but missing suspended Mark Taylor and the unwell Liam Newbold, took the lead on 24 minutes when striker, Charlie URRY, netted from five yards after an effort was blocked.
Newport pressed forward with two long-range efforts from Liam Triggs, both narrowly going the wrong side of the post.
The pressure told on 36 minutes as Newport increased their lead, when Connor KELLY struck a an excellent shot from just outside the penalty area and gave the keeper no chance.
Two minutes later, Kelly struck a free kick, which the keeper blocked low down, but nobody could take advantage of the rebound.
But on 57 minutes, Bashley pulled a goal back from a fierce, low drive past Gary Streeter.
The game opened up with both sides creating opportunities - Kelly, Wetherick and Urry all having good chances for Newport, but unable to beat the keeper.
On 86 minutes, Charlie Butt came on for the injured Urry, who may be a doubt for tonight's match.
In the second minute of injury time, Newport could breathe a sigh of relief and end their 17-game winless run with a goal from Jared WETHERICK, whose shot took a wicked deflection off the keeper and spun away from the defender standing on the line.
Newport: Streeter, Pearce, Triggs, Charlesworth, Turkington, McDonough, Radford, Wetherick, Urry, Kelly, Potts. Subs: Holmes, Butt, Lamb, James.
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