A late strike from David Ajiboye earned Newport County all three points in a 2-1 victory over Morecambe on Tuesday evening at Rodney Parade.
The Exiles opened the scoring early on as Joe Thomas scored his first County and professional goal within the first ten minutes.
It wasn’t until late on in the match that more goals would follow with Morecambe grabbing an equaliser through substitute Gwion Edwards. The Amber Army wouldn’t have to wait long to regain the lead as David Ajiboye fired in to secure back to back wins.
Head Coach, Nelson Jardim, made two changes to the starting lineup that played in the 1-0 victory over Barrow on Saturday afternoon.
Cameron Antwi came into the midfield in the place of Kai Whitmore for his 16th start of the season.
There was also a change to the attack with Courtney Baker-Richardson getting his first start since 1st round FA cup clash defeat to Peterborough United on the 2nd of November.
The game got off to a fast start for the Exiles with an early chance falling to right back, Joe Thomas. After a driving run from defence Thomas positioned himself in the centre of the box where the ball fell to him and his volleyed effort forced Harry Burgoyne into pushing the ball over the bar.
In the 8th minute Newport County opened the scoring and it was Thomas who tapped in from close range. The defender once again found himself in the box and after a curled edge of the box effort from Bobby Kamwa was saved he was there to follow up the parry.
Not long after it was Morecambe’s turn to attack and a slick passing move by the visitors ended with Yann Songo’o who curled a cross into the box that struck the Exiles’ crossbar.
Once again, Morecambe hit the woodwork as Hallam Hope headed an effort off the underside of the crossbar and a County defender came across to clear the second ball.
The action packed start continued as Shane McLoughlin burst through the midfield into shooting range but the Irishman was unable to find the target as he fired wide off the left post.
With just over thirty minutes gone Morecambe were still pushing for an equaliser as Luke Hendrie forced Nick Townsend into a save low down to his left.
County went close to doubling their lead in the 36th minute after a dangerous ball into the box by Thomas was flicked narrowly wide of the left post by Baker-Richardson.
The Shrimps once again threatened to equalise after the ball fell to Andrew Dallas in the box but his strike deflected wide off a County body for a corner.
Half Time.
The first chance of the half fell to the visitors as Callum Cooke whipped in a dangerous free kick that was met by Marcus Dackers. However, Dackers wasn’t able to generate enough power on his downward header and his effort was held well by Townsend.
After a long spell with neither side being able to hit the target, Morecambe had a great chance as Dackers once again headed towards goal but Townsend pulled off a brilliant reflex save to tip over the bar.
The Exiles looked to hit Morecambe on the counter with as Kamwa used his pace in behind. After breaking past the Shrimps back line, Kamwa found Baker-Richardson who laid the ball back to Ajiboye but he was unable to hit the target with his effort from the edge of the box.
In the 79th minute Morecambe equalised through substitute Edwards after a goal line melee. Despite Townsend’s best effort to keep the ball out of the net with an impressive double save the ball fell to Edwards who tapped home from close range.
Newport County regained the lead just minutes after as Ajiboye steered home for the Exiles in the 83rd minute. After a sweeping move from right to left, Glennon fired in a deep ball into the box that was controlled excellently by the winger before he finished cooly past Burgoyne.
Townsend once again proved to be a crucial presence in the County goal as the keeper made another superb save to deny Dackers. The following corner saw the ball bouncing around dangerously in the box and substitute Kyle Hudlin put in a crucial block before Townsend made another save to prevent the Shrimps.
After a nervy eight minutes of injury time the County secured all three points and back to back wins.
Full Time
Newport County return to Sky Bet League Two action on Saturday afternoon as they travel to Crewe (3pm).
Attendance: 3831 (65 away)
Newport County: Townsend, Glennon, C.Evans, Baker, Clarke (C), Thomas (Jameson 89’), Antwi, McLoughlin, Kamwa (Hudlin 85’), Baker-Richardson (Martin 72’), Ajiboye.
Substitutes: Mawene, Webb, Spellman, Warner.
Morecambe: Burgoyne, Hendrie, Taylor, Stott, Macadam, Hope (Edwards 53’), Dallas, Dackers, Cooke, Tutonda (A.Lewis 63’), Songo’o (C) (P.Lewis 92’).
Substitutes: White, Schofield, Williams, Tollitt.