Manager Michael Flynn hailed a ‘great day’ for Newport County after their 1-0 win against Tranmere Rovers at Prenton Park.
The Exiles put the embarrassment of their 6-0 home defeat against Yeovil behind them and secured all three points on Merseyside.
“It’s a great day,” said Flynn. “I knew I’d get a response. Winning three away games in a row is absolutely superb and our players deserve all the credit.
“They were absolutely fantastic. Even at the end, when we had to hang on a bit and they threw everything at us, our defending was absolutely excellent.
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“We were playing away and you have got to be strong, resilient and keep your shape because Tranmere is a tough place to play.
“That is the first time they’ve lost at home in the league this season and the boys did their job brilliantly.
“The fans who travelled up deserved it as well because they didn’t stop singing all the way through.”
Tranmere were restricted to one shot on target with goalkeeper Joe Day, making his 200th appearance for the club, saving a late effort from substitute Larnell Cole.
Fraser Franks scored the only goal of the match after five minutes and Newport earned a third successive League away win.
Defender Franks finished clinically, firing past goalkeeper Scott Davies after connecting to Padraig Amond’s flick-on from a Dan Butler cross.
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Antoine Semenyo, Amond and Tyreeq Bakinson all had goalscoring chances, while County defended solidly to keep a clean sheet and earn the win.
Newport stay third in the League Two table, three points behind leaders Lincoln City.
Flynn made three changes to the line-up that had suffered against Yeovil Town. Tyler Forbes returned to defence with David Pipe ruled out by illness, while Mark O’Brien played in defence alongside Franks and Mickey Demetriou.
Scot Bennett moved forward into midfield in Newport’s 3-4-1-2 formation, while Josh Sheehan dropped to the bench.
Antoine Semenyo was given a first league start, replacing Mark Harris.
County controlled the tempo and had the upper hand, but they came under pressure late in the game and had to stay disciplined.
Flynn’s team showed the character and quality needed to win at Tranmere and now turn to their Checkatrade Trophy match against Chelsea under-21s at Rodney Parade on Tuesday.
Newport County AFC (3-4-1-2): Day, Forbes, Demetriou (capt), Franks, O’Brien, Bennett, Butler, Bakinson, Dolan (Sheehan 62), Amond, Semenyo (Matt 78). Subs not used: Townsend, Pring, Harris, Cooper
Tranmere Rovers (4-4-2): Davies, Bakayogo, Monthe, McNulty (capt), Buxton, Jennings (Cole 55), Banks, McCullough, Mottley-Henry (Smith 55), Mullin (Stockton 72), Norwood. Subs not used: George, Harris, Ellis, Gilmour
Referee: Carl Boyeson
Attendance: 5,747 (298 away)
