Jamaican football striker Jamille Matt’s 11th goal of the season set up Newport County’s 2-0 win over fellow challengers Colchester United at Rodney Parade on Saturday to move back into the automatic promotion places in England’s League Two.
Newport leap-frogged Colchester after securing their first win in five matches following a strong second-half performance.
Matt, 29, put Newport ahead with a close-range finish after Padraig Amond flicked on a Matty Dolan corner in the 54th minute.
Youngster Cameron Pring, who came on as a first-half substitute, scored his first senior goal for the club to make the points safe, slotting home in the 67th minute.
Newport are now third, a place and a point ahead of Colchester and five behind new leaders Milton Keynes Dons.
Newport manager Michael Flynn said: “I thought Padraig Amond put in one of the best League Two performances I’ve ever seen. I’m pleased that he’s got an assist and Jamille’s got number 11.
“That’s three clean sheets in a row. I think we’re doing really well.”
Meanwhile, Cambridge United – missing winger Reggie Lambe, who was on international duty for Bermuda on Friday – took an early lead at Oldham Athletic, but slumped to a 3-1 defeat, leaving them four points above the League Two relegation zone in 21st place.
