County accumulate more valuable minutes in the legs, while holding league one outfit Cheltenham Town to a 1-1 draw.
The Exiles came out of the tunnel to a roaring Rodney Parade welcoming the County players back home, after almost three months away.
The Newport players started fast, playing a high press on Cheltenham’s heavy touch, and forcing errors from the Robin’s backline.
The first real chance came in the 10th minute via Will Evans after his shot was just a touch too powerful and it sailed over the bar. Cheltenham looked to find their own way through via former Exile Rob Street, but Townsend came out to claim the ball and quash any imminent danger.
Cheltenham came into the game with several opportunities on goal but none which would go on to trouble Nick Townsend between the posts.
County Skipper, Delaney very nearly scored the opener, however his header flew minimally wide of the target.
The half looked done and dusted when Olayinka came through McLoughlin very late and received the first card of the fixture.
Half-Time
It looked as though Newport never stopped during the break and started the second half as fast as they finished the previous.
Another Robin received a booking from the Referee after another late challenge on number 24, Aaron Wildig.
County pushed on and built serious momentum and eventually broke the deadlock in the 60th minute via new striker Palmer-Houlden. Aaron Wildig’s strike took a deflection off the striker and ended up in the back of the net.
Newport didn’t look to settle, with more chances coming from McLoughlin and Waite, Southwood made vital saves to keep the Robins still in the tie.
County Manager, Graham Coughlan switched up his side with 7 substitutions within 10 minutes.
It wasn’t until the 86th minute that Cheltenham found the equaliser, the ball bounced around the area like a pinball machine and eventually the ball ended in the net.
Full-Time
Starting XI: Townsend, Clarke, Delaney ©, Jameson, McLoughlin, Morris, Bennett, Lewis, Wildig, Evans, Palmer-Houlden. Subs: Maxted, Bright, Seberry, Charsley, Waite, Wood, Rai, Bondswell, Bowen.