Newport County edged closer to Football League survival as goals from Nathaniel Opoku and Joe Thomas secured a vital 2-1 victory over relegation rivals Harrogate Town at Rodney Parade.
In front of a crowd of 4,337, County produced a performance built on determination, resilience and quality at key moments to claim their first league double of the season and move four points clear of the drop zone.
Defeats elsewhere for fellow strugglers added to the importance of the result, with County now level on points with Crawley Town and Tranmere Rovers.
Christian Fuchs made four changes following the 3-1 defeat at Notts County on Monday, with Ryan Delaney, Cameron Evans, Ben Lloyd and James Crole all coming into the starting line-up.
County started on the front foot and almost took the lead inside the opening minutes. Harrison Biggins saw an early effort blocked before he rose highest to meet Lloyd’s in-swinging corner, his header clipping the crossbar.
The early pressure paid off on eight minutes. Under pressure from Crole, Liam Gibson surrendered possession, allowing Lloyd to pick out Opoku, who showed composure to round Henry Gray and finish into the net.
Roared on by a vocal home crowd, County continued to press. Joe Thomas was a constant outlet from wing-back, while Crole threatened again with a looping header that drifted wide.
Harrogate began to grow into the game midway through the half. Jordan Wright was forced into action to push away a dangerous Taylor set-piece, before Jacob Slater drove forward and tested the County goalkeeper.
Sven Sprangler was influential in midfield throughout, breaking up play and driving County forward, but the visitors found an equaliser on 38 minutes. Slater advanced down the left and delivered a well-weighted pass into the area, where Jack Evans calmly slotted into the bottom corner.
Harrogate nearly turned the game around before the break, with Taylor firing narrowly wide after further pressure down the left, as County were reminded of the threat posed by the visitors.
The hosts responded positively after half-time. Biggins saw a free-kick blocked, while Lloyd continued to cause problems with his delivery and movement down the flank.
County regained the lead on 58 minutes. Moments after Matt Baker had gone close from a Lloyd delivery, more defensive uncertainty from Harrogate allowed Thomas the opportunity from distance, and the wing-back made no mistake, rifling a superb strike into the top corner.
The goal lifted both the crowd and the players, with County pushing for control of the game. Cameron Evans added energy in midfield, while Sprangler continued to cover ground and disrupt Harrogate’s rhythm.
Harrogate searched for a route back into the game, but clear openings were limited. Taylor delivered a series of crosses into the box, while a late opportunity fell to Duke-McKenna, but Baker recovered well to block.
At the back, County stood firm. Baker led with authority, supported by Jenkins and Delaney, while Wright remained composed when called upon.
Substitutions in the closing stages helped see out the result, with fresh legs adding stability as County managed the game effectively.
The final whistle was met with loud celebrations around Rodney Parade as County secured a crucial three points in their battle for survival.
A performance full of grit, organisation and moments of quality ensured County took a significant step forward as the season reaches its decisive stage.
Newport County: Wright, Jenkins, Baker, Delaney, Thomas (Davies 68’), Sprangler (Brennan 83’), Evans, Lloyd, Biggins, Crole (Jarvis 90’), Opoku (Kamwa 83’).
Substitutes not used: MacDonald, Smith, Spellman.
Harrogate Town: Gray, Slater (Cass 69’), Evans, Morris, McCoulsky, Duke-McKenna, Headman (Faulkner 56’), Taylor (Thomson 90+4’), Gibson, Heffernan, Brenan (Acquah 69’).
Substitutes not used: Waller, Burrell, Thomson, Sutton.
Attendance: 4337.
Match Officials: Neil Hair (Referee), Sam Lewis and Graham Kane (Assistant Referees), David Nicholson (Fourth Official).