Newport County sealed a 3-1 win in the Blue Square South on Wednesday night over last season's beaten play-off finalists Hampton & Richmond Borough on a night of drama at Spytty Park.
A crowd of 1,185 saw Paul Cochlin give County a 21st minute lead with a header from a Danny Rose free kick,
The Exiles were then indebted to a fine penalty save from Glyn Thompson to deny Francis Quarm an equaliser just before the break after Cochlin had handled.
County eventually extended their lead with 19 minutes left when Dave Gilroy scored with virtually his first touch after coming on as a sub in the 71st minute.
Hampton then pulled a goal back much against the run of play when Dean Wells fired home at the far post from an 83rd minute corner to set up a nail-biting finale.
Newport’s Nathan Davies and the Beavers` Wells were both sent-off after an 85th minute flare-up after the County substitute had been hacked down with the referee seemingly losing control of the game.
County were suddenly desperately hanging on but sealed the points in injury-time - Sam Foley tapping-in from close range.
