Newport County moved to within a point of League Two safety as second-half goals from Harrison Biggins and Michael Spellman secured a vital victory over Chesterfield at a blustery Rodney Parade.
In front of a crowd of almost 4,500, Newport County produced a disciplined and energetic display to back up a first-half performance full of promise, before holding firm under late pressure to claim successive home wins and lift themselves off the bottom of the table.
Head coach Christian Fuchs made just one change from the narrow defeat at Gillingham, with Ciaran Brennan moving into midfield and Lee Jenkins named among the substitutes. Harrison Biggins and Ryan Delaney both made home debuts after January arrivals, adding further strength to the side.
Chesterfield, pushing for a play-off place, arrived with a strong attacking line-up and created early pressure, but Jordan Wright and his defence stood firm. Freddie Ladapo saw an early effort deflected wide before Liam Mandeville missed a clear chance from close range after a flowing move.
Newport County gradually grew into the contest and began to threaten on the break. Bobby Kamwa went close after a sharp turnover in possession, while Michael Spellman tested visiting goalkeeper Zach Hemming as the hosts finished the half strongly.
The breakthrough came five minutes into the second half. Anthony Glennon’s in-swinging corner was met by Harrison Biggins, who stole in behind the defence to poke home his first Newport County goal and end a long wait for a senior strike.
The goal lifted Rodney Parade, and Newport County doubled their advantage just after the hour mark. Michael Spellman produced a composed finish from 18 yards, striking low and hard beyond Hemming to give the hosts control.
Chesterfield responded with a flurry of substitutions and pushed forward in search of a way back into the game. Substitute Dilan Markanday pulled a goal back late on from a corner to set up a tense finish.
Despite sustained pressure in added time, Newport County held their shape superbly, with Baker, Delaney and Brennan leading a resilient defensive effort to secure three crucial points.
The result moves Newport County to within touching distance of safety and builds further momentum ahead of next weekend’s fixture at Bristol Rovers.
Newport County
Jordan Wright; Liam Shephard, Ciaran Brennan, Matt Baker (captain), Ryan Delaney; Anthony Glennon, Matt Smith, Harrison Biggins (Lee Jenkins 80); Michael Spellman (Tanatswa Nyakuhwa 90), Bobby Kamwa (Joe Thomas 90), Nathan Opoku (James Crole 69)
Substitutes (unused): Nik Tzanev, Cameron Evans, Ben Lloyd
Chesterfield
Zach Hemming; Sam Curtis, Kyle McFadzean (captain), Sil Swinkels, Tom Pearce; Sammy Braybrooke, Ryan Stirk (Tom Naylor 79); James Berry (Dylan Duffy 75), Liam Mandeville (Dilan Markanday 75), Freddie Ladapo (Lee Bonis 66); Will Grigg (Armando Dobra 75)
Substitutes (unused): Vontae Daley-Campbell, Will Dickson
Match officials
Referee | Declan Brown
Assistants | Ashley Allen, Daniel Robinson
Fourth official | Keiran Forrest
Attendance
4,355 (458 away supporters)
