Newport County AFC returned to winning ways with a hard-fought victory over Morecambe in front of the Rodney Parade faithful.
January loan signing Dale Gorman scored his first goal for the Exiles midway through the second half to give the home side all three points.
Newport returned to action after a rare week off in their hectic schedule, meaning they had plenty of time to recover from the disappointment at Oldham and focus on the task at hand.
County arguably had the better of a first half that lacked any kind of clear-cut chances for either side in South Wales.
The match started brightly for the Exiles, after good work from Jamille Matt and captain Josh Sheehan led to a cross into the box. Unfortunately nobody was on hand to nod this one home.
Soon after, County found themselves with another opportunity with a free kick just outside the box. Matty Dolan stepped up but only found Christoffer Mafoumbi's gloves with his effort.
In the 12th minute, there was a flurry of action in the away penalty box. More good work from Sheehan saw him find the head of Matt in the box, but his flick-on eluded everyone.
From this, there was a penalty shout for the home side. Sheehan was again involved as he was shrugged off the ball but nothing was given by referee Neil Hair.
Morecambe’s first chance came from good work by Aaron Wildig. His backheel kept the ball in play for Jordan Slew to drive a cross towards Carlos Mendes-Gomes, whose effort deflected into the gloves of Tom King. A reminder to County that they were in a game.
At the half-hour mark, the Rodney Parade crowd almost witnessed an extremely rare moment. Morecambe 'keeper Mafoumbi’s long kick caught the wind and very nearly bounced all the way in at the other end.
King scrambled back and got just enough on the ball to tip it wide. A lucky escape for the Exiles.
As half time approached, County didn’t want the whistle to come as more and more chances came their way. Best of all, Dolan found Tristan Abrahams, however, his cut-back found nothing but open space in the Morecambe box, meaning the scores were level at the break.
The second half started with a good spell of possession for Newport. A couple of half-chances came their way but the home side were unable to take any of them.
County’s best chance followed with a corner causing Morecambe trouble again. The ball ended up at the back post and Scot Bennett connected to send the ball goalward but Mafoumbi had other ideas, blocking on the line.
On the hour mark, County made their first substitution with Jordan Green replacing Abrahams. Michael Flynn clearly feeling the game needed an injection of pace to break the deadlock.
Newport’s breakthrough finally came in the 69th minute through one of the January additions, Gorman. A lovely lobbed finish over a crowd of people in the box landed just under the crossbar to give County the lead, and Gorman his first goal for the club.
Gorman nearly doubled his tally soon after. His low left-footed shot from outside the area was saved well by Mafoumbi to keep Morecambe just one behind.
With less than 10 minutes remaining, Morecambe began creating more opportunities. Substitute striker Rhys Oates looked to be through on goal but Bennett thwarted his attack with a wonderful tackle.
Six minutes of injury time were signaled by the fourth official, meaning County had longer to hold on before they could celebrate the win.
A late Morecambe chance saw the ball cleared off the line spectacularly by Robbie Wilmott to ensure the Exiles took all three points.
Newport County AFC (3-4-1-2): Tom King; Ryan Inniss, Scot Bennett, Mickey Demetriou; Robbie Willmott, Dale Gorman, Matty Dolan, Ryan Haynes; Josh Sheehan (C); Jamille Matt, Tristan Abrahams (Jordan Green 62).
Subs not used: Joe Woodiwiss, Kyle Howkins, Lewis Collins, Otis Khan, Billy Waters, Padraig Amond.
Morecambe (4-3-3): Christoffer Mafoumbi; Ryan Cooney, Steven Old, Sam Lavelle (C), Jordan Cranston; Toumani Diagouraga, Alex Kenyon (Tom Brewitt 87), Aaron Wildig; John O'Sullivan, Jordan Slew (Rhys Oates 80), Carlos Mendes (Harvey Bradbury 68).
Subs not used: Luke Conlan, Mark Halstead, Christian Mbulu.
Referee: Neil Hair.
Attendance: 3,048 (60 Morecambe).
Next up for County: Carlisle United, March 10 (AWAY).