“We won all our personal battles and could not have produced a more complete performance;” said a delighted County manager Peter Beadle after County had plundered a maximum-point haul from a troublesome trip to Eastleigh’s Silverlake Stadium. Indeed, the County team, decked in resplendent all-amber, dominated proceedings on the South Coast to such an extent, it was barely recognisable to the misfiring, stuttering outfit we’ve witnessed thus far during the campaign. The much-maligned Lee Collier had an excellent ninety minutes, as did so many of his compatriots in a performance of togetherness that mocked County’s stop-start opening to the infant months of this campaign.

If you can pick a creditable “Man of the Match”,  having witnessed the ninety minutes on show in Hampshire, then you’re a better man than myself; as each and every one of County’s eleven ‘warriors’ were worthy contenders in a performance of absolute togetherness. Defender Mark Dodds, in for the suspended Ian Hillier, was immense; a term we are becoming used to using for his partner, Lee Jarman, who had another masterful ninety minutes; happily lapping up all that came his way. Strikers Andy Forbes and Paul Sales for Eastleigh are more than renowned for being a complete handful at this level, but Messrs Jarman and Dodds dealt with them as if they were merely nothing more than a slight inconvenience.

A special mention must go to both the much-maligned Lee Collier, so often the butt of supporters jibes, and those “wingers that never tackle back”, notably midfield work-horse Collier who was outstanding in a display of real mettle that greatly relieved the pressure on the put-upon Nathan Davies; whilst wingers Evans and Bowen confounded their critics with a back-tracking display of total commitment that bemused the Spitfires. The net result was a Newport side that functioned superbly both front and back, whilst still resembling the complete unit we’ve barely witnessed since the 2007/08 campaign got underway; no wonder Mr Beadle was pleased!

For the record, County experienced a bright opening and were unlucky not to get off the mark as early as the 4th minute, when a downward-header from the excellent Julian Alsop was somehow blocked on the line. When strike-partner Charlie Griffin, in for the poorly Craig Hughes, found the side-netting on eight minutes, County’s intent was clearly shown.  It should be pointed out that team captain, Steve Jenkins “sat on the front of the bus and threw up all the way here” as boss Beadle was quick to point out post-match, yet still provided a true captains example during a tireless ninety minute display that summed up the County attitude towards a difficult fixture on a ground where they had never previously won.

The Exiles took a deserved lead in the 19th minute, thanks to a well-rehearsed routine straight from the training ground. Lee Collier’s free-kick was met by the head of Lee Jarman, who confounded Eastleigh by peeling down the left; the net result was that total mayhem ensued and ace-poacher Griffin suitably punished the home side’s indecision by turning and lashing home in a trice.  On 28 minutes, County can consider themselves harshly done by not to have received a penalty when Bowen’s legs were clearly taken from him inside the area; a decision that incensed the hefty visiting contingent. What Eastleigh chances that were chiselled out were more akin to Jonny Wilkinson’s considerable talents than a Hampshire non-league football side, as several opportunities cleared the lowly stand behind the goal that the hosts were attacking.

A deft knock-down from the tireless Alsop on 49 minutes saw Collier shoot inches wide, before prolific home striker Forbes burst through only to be thwarted by the masterful Thompson. On 56 minutes, County’s increasingly impressive custodian tipped a 20-yard shot safely around his post. All of this was merely a prelude to County’s second strike, and clinching goal on 63 minutes. A goal that was always going to be needed to calm the ever-growing nerves and yet again, it was the mercurial “fifth Beatle” that provided it.  Richard Evans’ excellent cross from the left was headed goalwards by ex-Beatle’s drummer Ringo Starr and unlucky home defender, Luke Byles, could only assist it on its way into the net.

From this moment on, County were pretty-much safe, any enthusiasm in the hosts minds severely dampened by Ringo’s enterprise. County ran out well-deserved victors on a night when an away victory had never been more sorely needed.

Man of the Match: County: the entire team (to pick just one would be unfair)

Man of the Match: Eastleigh: Paul Sales (never gave up)