Newport County secured a vital three points at Rodney Parade as Bobby Kamwa’s superb second-half strike sealed a hard-fought victory over Shrewsbury Town in a scrappy, wind-affected Sky Bet League Two encounter.
In difficult conditions on a firm surface, this was never a classic, but Kamwa’s moment of quality ultimately proved the difference as County showed resilience to see out the result and strengthen their push towards safety.
Head coach Christian Fuchs made one enforced change from last weekend’s narrow defeat at Walsall, with Matt Smith replacing the ineligible Harrison Biggins in midfield.
The opening stages reflected the conditions, with both sides struggling to find rhythm. Kamwa registered the first effort for County with a strike from distance that was comfortably held by Matt Cox.
Shrewsbury responded through Anthony Scully, who set up Iwan Morgan, but his curling effort drifted wide as the visitors looked to settle.
County began to grow into the contest and carved out a promising opening midway through the half. Ben Lloyd’s pass sent James Crole through on goal, but Cox reacted quickly to gather before the striker could capitalise.
The Exiles continued to apply pressure, with Lloyd again involved as he drove forward and won a corner, while a dangerous delivery from Tom Davies clipped the top of the crossbar as County searched for a breakthrough.
Kamwa remained a constant threat, cutting inside and weaving his way into the area, but his deflected effort drifted narrowly wide as the first half ended goalless.
County carried that intent into the second half, with Kamwa again at the heart of the action as he drove into the box under pressure, with strong appeals waved away.
At the other end, Shrewsbury threatened through Taylor Perry, whose powerful effort from distance was pushed away by Jordan Wright.
With the game finely poised, the decisive moment arrived on 68 minutes. Kamwa collected the ball on the left, stepped inside his marker and, battling against the wind, curled a superb effort into the top corner beyond the dive of Cox.
It was a moment of real quality from the winger and his second goal in four games.
Buoyed by the opener, County looked to press for a second. Kamwa continued to cause problems, while late chances fell to Crole and the substitutes, but Shrewsbury managed to clear their lines.
The visitors pushed forward in the closing stages, but County stood firm. Matt Baker and Ryan Delaney led from the back, ensuring there would be no late setback this time around.
In front of a crowd of 4,806 at Rodney Parade, it was a disciplined and determined performance from Newport County, who held on to secure a crucial three points on home soil.
The Exiles now turn their attention to the next fixture in their Easter double header at Rodney Parade.
Newport County: Wright, Shephard (Thomas 72’), Baker, Delaney, Davies, Sprangler, Smith (Garner 72’), Evans (Brennan 90+3’), Lloyd (Opoku 86’), Crole (Baker-Richardson 86’), Kamwa. Substitutes not used: MacDonald, Glennon.
Shrewsbury Town: Cox, Benning (Kabia 70’), Boyle, Lloyd (Marquis 70’), Sang (McDermott 43’), Scully (Ihionvien 75’), Perry, Morgan, Ruffels, Stubbs, Berkoe. Substitutes not used: Brook, Anderson, Freeman.
Attendance: 4806
Match Officials: Elliot Bell (Referee), Craig Taylor and Thomas Staten (Assistant Referees), Marvyn Amphlett (Fourth Official).
