NEWPORT COUNTY AFC

The defender from Aston Villa was in the thick of the action during the opening exchanges, making a crucial block by throwing himself at a volley, after the ball had ricocheted around the County area.

Just before the break Danny Holmes was forced off injured, after making a perfectly executed sliding challenge and being caught innocently by a stray boot to head . After a spell of treatment on the field, it was encouraging to see him able to sit up and walk himself off the field. 

Danny was replaced by Scott Boden, with captain Mark Byrne occupying the deep midfield role. It wasn't long before Scott was involved in the hosts penalty area, receiving a knock-down from Lenell John-Lewis and composing himself before curling a shot narrowly wide of the goal.

County had an early scare in the second half, when a through ball looked destined to glide into the path of Derek Asamoah. With Joe Day advancing off his line the striker attempted to knock the ball past the County 'keeper, but his touch was too heavy and the ball fans behind for a goal kick.

After the early second half threat, County began to find some rhythm going forward. Scott Boden and Lenell John-Lewis linked up well, with Lenell given space to run towards goal. The striker steadied himself and launched a driven effort that was smothered by Mark Gillespie.  

The deadlock was broken when a whipped cross from the right by Nana Twumasi was glanced into the net by debutant Tyler Blackwood.

The hosts threw everything at County during the final phase of the game. A low cross into the County area found its way to Kevin Osei six-yards from goal, who could only drag his effort wide of the post, in what was a golden chance for the hosts to draw level.

The five minutes of injury time dragged, with Carlisle 'keeper Mark Gillespie even advancing forward for set-pieces. The now ten-men County defence stood firm and saw the game out, to record a memorable away victory.