Newport County 4, Chesterfield 1
Frank Nouble was the hat-trick hero in Newport County’s home win against Chesterfield.
The former West Ham striker netted three goals in the second half and County emerged convincing winners in their first match on the new £750,000 Desso surface at Rodney Parade.
Chesterfield led 1-0 at half-time, but Nouble (3) and Padraig Amond scored in Newport’s revival.
The Exiles were given a standing ovation by more than 4,000 spectators as they walked off after the final whistle.
“We started slowly but the boys responded brilliantly,” said manager Michael Flynn. “We had a chat at half-time – they were causing us a few problems. We matched them up and we were outstanding then.
“As afternoons go it was brilliant, the only downside was one of their players had an injury and it looked a bad one.”
Chesterfield defender Bradley Barry was taken off on a stretcher after 22 minutes and Newport sent their best wishes to the player.
Chris O’Grady had given Chesterfield the lead when he scored from Scott Wiseman’s cross.
Nouble equalised when he intercepted Robbie Weir’s pass and shot into the top corner from 25 yards.
He then headed two goals, completing a hat-trick in 13 minutes, before Amond completed the scoring.
“At times Frank is unplayable,” said Flynn. “He scored a hat-trick and he could have had another hat-trick. The difference between his first half and second-half performances was huge.
“He’s got to realise he is that big a player for us.
“But it wasn’t just Frank. Joss Labadie was outstanding, Sean Rigg came on and did really well and Ben White was quality again. The whole team was superb.”
County are second in League Two after four matches and travel to play leaders Exeter City in their next match.
Chesterfield led 1-0at half-time, but Nobble equalised on 55 minutes when he smashed a shot home from 30 yards.
Double completed his hat-trick before Amond produced a clinical finish, low into the corner, and completed the win.
County: Day, Pipe (Bennett 83), O’Brien (Butler 61), Demetriou, White, Labadie, Dolan, Nouble, Cole (Rigg 57), Willmott, Amond. Subs not used: Bittner, Reynolds, McCoulsky, Quigley
Referee: David Webb
Attendance: 4,322
