Newport County and Sammy Braybrooke endured a difficult afternoon on the road as Colchester United claimed victory at the JobServe Community Stadium.
Braybrooke’s remarkable long-range strike provided a moment of quality for Newport County, but goals from Kyreece Lisbie, Samson Tovide, Micah Mbick and Jack Payne secured the points for the hosts.
Head coach Christian Fuchs made three changes from the side that faced Fleetwood Town, with Matt Smith returning in midfield, Courtney Baker-Richardson back from suspension and Ben Lloyd operating in a more advanced role.
Colchester started brightly and had the ball in the net inside the opening minute, but an offside flag denied Kyreece Lisbie. The early pressure continued, with Newport County forced onto the back foot.
The breakthrough came on 21 minutes when Harry Anderson released Samson Tovide down the left, and his low cross was converted at the far post by Lisbie.
The hosts remained on top and added a second before the break. Tovide turned home from close range on 42 minutes to double the advantage.
Newport County attempted to respond after the interval, with Cameron Antwi going close early in the second half, but the hosts extended their lead on 64 minutes. Micah Mbick capitalised on a defensive lapse to round Jordan Wright and finish into an empty net.
Two minutes later, Newport County produced a moment of real quality. Sammy Braybrooke spotted Matt Macey off his line and struck from distance, finding the net from inside his own half with a superb effort.
Despite that response, Colchester restored their advantage late on. Substitute Jack Payne finished from close range in stoppage time to complete the scoring.
Colchester United
Matt Macey; Kane Vincent-Young, Jack Tucker, Harvey Araujo, Ellis Iandolo (Frankie Terry 78); Kyreece Lisbie (Owura Edwards 72), Teddy Bishop (Rob Hunt 72), Arthur Read, Harry Anderson; Samson Tovide (Jack Payne 56), Micah Mbick (Will Goodwin 80)
Substitutes (unused): Tom Smith, John-Kymani Gordon
Newport County
Jordan Wright; Cameron Evans, Lee Jenkins, James Clarke (captain) (Matt Baker 46), Anthony Glennon; Matt Smith (Ciaran Brennan 68), Sammy Braybrooke, Cameron Antwi (Tom Davies 84), Ben Lloyd (Moses Alexander-Walker 68); Courtney Baker-Richardson (Nathaniel Opoku 68), Bobby Kamwa
Substitutes (unused): Nik Tzanev, Joe Thomas
Match officials
Referee | Harry Wager
Assistants | Greg Read, Marc Wilson
Fourth official | Matthew Norton
Attendance
4,717 (138 away supporters)
