Newport County produced a determined display at Rodney Parade, with Tanatswa Nyakuhwa’s late strike securing a deserved victory over Colchester United after a closely contested encounter.
Shaquille Gwengwe and several other members of the squad returned to action after missing time due to a minor stomach bug.
Tanatswa Nyakuhwa continued his impressive return to Newport County, finding the net for the second consecutive game since rejoining the Exiles.
The Exiles began on the front foot, with Harrison Biggins picking out Cameron Norman, whose driven delivery into the penalty area was comfortably gathered by Lo-Tutala.
The visitors soon threatened at the opposite end when Matty Jacob mistimed a challenge on Sam Kuffour. The Colchester forward skipped beyond the defender and earned a free-kick in a dangerous position, although County managed to withstand the pressure.
The U’s continued to search for an early breakthrough as Beryly Lubala latched onto a well-weighted through ball from Jack Payne. However, his attempt lacked the power to trouble Jordan Wright, who collected safely.
Shaquille Gwengwe then capitalised on an excellent pressing effort to dispossess Jack Tucker before advancing towards goal. The forward curled an ambitious effort narrowly wide as County began to find their rhythm in the attacking third.
Some impressive interplay followed, with Biggins orchestrating proceedings from midfield before linking up with Gwengwe. The latter drove forward and released Yahya Bamba through on goal, but a heavy touch allowed the visitors to recover, with the ball eventually going behind for a corner.
Bamba remained a constant threat and came close to making an impact when a loose ball fell invitingly into his path. His subsequent strike was blocked by a determined Colchester defence.
Despite opportunities at both ends, neither side could find the decisive touch before the interval, leaving the contest finely poised heading into the second period.
County emerged with renewed intent after the restart, applying pressure through a succession of forward movements and deliveries into the opposition penalty area.
Matt Dibley-Dias attempted to capitalise on a lay-off from Bamba, unleashing a strike from distance that flashed wide of the target.
Bamba continued to trouble the visitors with his footwork and movement, drawing a foul in a promising position as the hosts sought to turn their territorial advantage into a breakthrough.
Colchester substitute Ihionvein made an immediate impression following his introduction, forcing Wright into action with an effort that resulted in a corner. The County goalkeeper remained alert to the danger as the visitors looked to seize the initiative.
With time running out, the Exiles maintained their pursuit of an opening goal. Jacob tried his luck from range, but his effort sailed over the crossbar as the hosts continued to push forward.
Nyakuhwa also demonstrated his defensive commitment, tracking back superbly when Ihionvein threatened to break clear down the far side. The County forward used his pace and determination to recover possession, preventing the visitors from developing a dangerous attack.
The breakthrough finally arrived with just under ten minutes of normal time remaining.
Jacob delivered a low, driven ball into the penalty area, which took a deflection before finding Nyakuhwa in space. The forward reacted decisively, finishing from close range to send Rodney Parade into celebration and give the Exiles a crucial advantage.
Colchester responded by searching for a late equaliser, but Wright produced an important save at his near post, getting down sharply to deny the visitors and preserve County’s lead.
The Exiles remained resolute during the closing stages, seeing out the contest to secure all three points after a disciplined performance and a decisive late contribution from Nyakuhwa.
Newport County: Wright, Cameron, Jenkins, Brennan, Gwengwe (Garner 71’), Biggins, Jacob, Norman, Adu-Poku (Nyakuhwa 71’), Dibley-Dias, Doidge (Bamba 9’)
Unused Substitutes: MacDonald, Smith, Lewis, Sassi
Colchester United: Lo-Tutala, Iandolo, Tucker, Digby (Connolly 82’) , Anderson, Payne, Sesay, Lubala (Harvey 65’), Williams, Thorn (Ihionvien 65’), Kuffour (Hunt 58’)
Unused Substitutes: Chiwome, Terry, Roberts
4268 attendance