County 1 Portsmouth 0

A controversial Mark Byrne goal midway through the second period proved the difference after a superb rearguard action from Justin Edinburgh’s men.

The Exiles completely ignored the perceived wisdom of this being the time to rotate following the busy Christmas schedule and were rewarded with a maximum points haul, so boss Justin Edinburgh would’ve been loathed to make changes.

However, necessity dictated to the former Pompey defender, forced to switch thanks to an ear infection that saw Chris Zebroski drop out and be replaced by Shaun Jeffers.

The combination of Pompey being the visitors and Newport’s rude form helped to a swirling wind was matched by a fierce atmosphere as County looked to avenge their 2-1 reverse from last season.

The Exiles began the game like a side with something to prove, the accusations of being a long ball side and a bullying team seemingly louder from the South Coast and clearly having an effect on Newport.

They began with a high intensity to their passing and were the more attacking outfit, though the opening third of the contest whizzed by with two teams that had good intentions but poor execution.

The Exiles had been labelled a long ball team by Pompey’s supporters and clearly sought to prove them wrong in the early exchanges, Adam Chapman and Mark Byrne pulling the strings as Newport sought an opportunity.

Jeffers looked the man most likely, his barnstorming run midway through the first half causing Pompey problems, but he couldn’t find a composed finish to match his trickery in keeping the ball, blazing over.

The visitors were sitting with two banks of four and inviting the Exiles onto them, but their sporadic counters in the first period lacked penetration, a long range effort from Ryan Taylor about the best they could muster as he looked to build a partnership with new recruit Matt Tubbs.

The visitors did create a presentable opportunity just before the break when County failed to clear following a positive run by Jed Wallace, but Mark Byrne and Regan Poole squeezed him out as Pompey appealed in vain for a penalty kick.

Manager Andy Awford was still arguing with the fourth official when Newport nearly took the advantage just before the interval, Joe Day’s punt flicked on by Lee Minshull and putting Aaron O’Connor away, but his volley across goal was turned behind the post by goalkeeper Paul Jones.

The visitors seemed very much to be looking to avoid defeat first and foremost and it was something of a surprise that the second half produced great chances within moments.

First Newport came close through Andy Sandell who stole in at the back post, but Jones tipped his header away before a really bright spell from the visitors.

Pompey’s best chances came and went inside a ten minute spell where they drove Newport back, firstly Matt Tubbs snatching at a really fine chance that Ismail Yakubu cleared, before Wallace’s cross incredibly evaded everyone and went right across goal and out for a throw.

Newport were surviving rather than thriving but that all changed midway through the half with a controversial goal out of nothing.

There appeared little danger until Byrne collected some 25-yards out and his cross evaded everyone and crept into the far corner.

However, pandemonium and happiness turned to bile when the assistant appeared to rule the goal out for offside, believing Aaron O’Connor to have touched the ball home.

However, after consultations with referee Michael Bull the goal was given as the man in the middle again proved a lucky charm for County, because they were promoted to League Two at Wembley the last time he took charge of the amber army.

Pompey were furious but that anger took a toll, because there were still 20 minutes remaining when the visitors had plenty of time to get back into contention.

However, Newport stood firm with goalkeeper Joe Day making a couple of late saves to deny the visitors, who also saw a second penalty appeal waved away as the final five minutes proved fraught for the Exiles who bravely clung on and move third in League Two.