Newport County cruised to a comfortable 3-0 victory over Harrogate Town at Rodney Parade on Saturday afternoon.
Two first-half goals from Cameron Evans and Courtney Baker-Richardson, along with James Clarke's first league goal of the season, sealed all three points for the Exiles.
Head coach Nelson Jardim made three changes to the side that faced Accrington Stanley last time out, with Cameron Evans, Ciaran Brennan, and David Ajiboye all earning a place in the starting eleven.
Brennan made his first start since the 18th of January after returning from injury, and Nick Townsend made his 200th appearance for the Exiles while keeping his eleventh clean sheet in the league.
The game got off to the perfect start for the Exiles, with Cameron Evans opening the scoring in the second minute. After a great in-swinging corner delivery by Shane McLoughlin, Evans rose highest before heading home from close range to give County the early advantage.
Following the goal, Courtney Baker-Richardson looked to make the most of the dominant start as the striker headed a loose ball into his path in the box, but it was well defended by Harrogate.
The visitors looked to hit back as Elis Taylor did well to drive into the box, but his effort went well over the bar.
County doubled their lead in the 16th minute after another great corner routine saw Baker-Richardson get on the scoresheet. The corner was delivered by Anthony Glennon this time, as the left-back’s inswinger was met by Baker-Richardson, who poked home from within the six-yard box.
Minutes later, David Ajiboye found himself with space in the box after being played through by Bobby Kamwa. The winger took one touch before shooting, but his effort was well saved by the on-rushing James Belshaw.
The visitors had a chance with Taylor, who once again proved to be a threat for the Sulphurites. After working his way into the box, the attacker forced Townsend into a strong save at his near post.
Just before the end of the first half, Glennon looked to create from a corner once again, but his fierce delivery was held well by Belshaw.
Half-time
Newport dominated the early stages of the second half, with neither side having any significant chances.
The first dangerous chance of the second half came for Harrogate after they won a free kick on the edge of the box. Ex-County midfielder Bryn Morris stepped up, and his free kick struck the crossbar.
Brennan almost got on the scoresheet as he headed over from a Glennon corner kick.
Harrogate continued to build into the game, as Dean Cornelius’ dangerous cutback was defended excellently by James Clarke, who cleared the danger.
Kamwa did well to spin past Morris before playing a defence-splitting ball to Ajiboye, but the winger’s touch took the ball away from him, and Anthony O’Connor snuffed out the danger.
The Exiles extended their lead as Captain Clarke made it three in the 61st minute. Another dangerous corner from McLoughlin fell to Kamwa, whose acrobatic effort was saved by Belshaw before Clarke followed in to smash home from close range.
With just over fifteen minutes left to go, Morris had a chance at the edge of the box for the visitors, but his effort didn’t trouble Townsend, who held on comfortably.
The two County wingers linked up well again, with Ajiboye feeding Kamwa through on the counter. Kamwa looked to catch Belshaw off his line, but his long-distance effort was dragged wide.
County made their first change of the game in the 80th minute, as Michael Spellman came onto the field in place of Ajiboye.
Townsend was forced into another save late on as James Daly rose to head on target, but the keeper flicked it over. Moments later, the keeper was called upon once again, as Taylor’s strike from outside the box was saved strongly by a diving Townsend.
In the final minutes of the game, a fast-paced counter led by Kamwa ended at the feet of Spellman, but the substitute wasn’t able to trouble Belshaw with his effort.
Full-time
Newport County return to Sky Bet League Two action on Saturday as they travel to Grimsby (3pm).
Newport County: Townsend, Thomas, C.Evans, Baker, Clarke (C), Glennon, Brennan, McLoughlin, Kamwa, Ajiboye (Spellman 80’), Baker-Richardson.
Substitutes: Webb, Warner, Mawene, Whitmore, K.Evans, Martin.
Harrogate Town: Belshaw, Moon, Burrell (C), Cornelius (Cursons 66’), Daly, Sims, O’Connor, Taylor, March, Fox, Morris.
Substitutes: Oxley (GK), Daly, Sanderson, Blongo, Solomon, Gibson.
Attendance: 3,756 (Away 93)