Newport County 4-1 Bristol Rovers
Youngster Lewis Ellington was on the scoresheet for Rovers as they were defeated by an experienced Newport County outfit in the Central League fixture at Spytty Park.
Newport took an early lead in the fixture when striker Ryan Bird was played in behind the Rovers defence from a through ball by Tom Owen-Evans. The forward composed himself in the one-on-one chance with Kieran Hodges and slotted the ball under the 'keeper.
Kieran Hodges produced a fine save to deny Bird moments later, with the 'keeper getting a strong hand to push a powerfully hit effort away from goal.
Rovers created a handful of early chances, the most threatening originated when Jamie Lucas managed to steer a pass into the path of Ryan Broom, who directed a first-time shot towards goal that was held by Newport 'keeper Rhys Davies.
The home side doubled their lead just after the ten-minute mark when a corner from the right took multiple deflections inside the crowded penalty area and eventually fell to Tom Owen-Evans who fired the ball into the net from ten yards out.
Rovers responded with Ryan Broom using his pace to move the ball through midfield and from the byeline the winger delivered a dangerous low cross that was touched onto the post by the Newport defence and the delivery forced the home side to concede a corner. Broom's opportunity was quickly followed by a neat piece of skill on the edge of the area by Tyrone Tucker-Dixon, which saw the midfielder create space for himself to produce a well-directed ball to the far post that was almost met by Jamie Lucas.
On the stroke of half-time Rovers reduced Newport's advantage in the game, with Ryan Broom claiming the ball in midfield and dribbling to the edge of the area and threading a pass that was left by Jamie Lucas, which created a clear path to goal for Lewis Ellington and the youngster produced a fine finish which saw his side-footed shot fly into the top corner of the net.
After the break, Newport were awarded a penalty when the referee deemed that a cross into the area made contact with Danny Greenslade's arm. Kieran Hodges guessed the right way from Craig Reid's spot-kick, but the effort was well placed and just out of reach of the diving Hodges, as Newport regained their two-goal advantage.
Luke Russe had two efforts on goal during the second half, both from similar positions on the fringes of the area, but on both occasions, the youngster's efforts were held by the Newport goalkeeper.
In the closing stages of the game, Newport added a fourth goal when a driven long-range effort from Jaanai Gordon crept inside the post from twenty-five yards.
Rovers have encounters against Peterborough United, Swindon Town, Cheltenham Town and Southend remaining in this season's Central League campaign.
Rovers: Kieran Hodges (G), Danny Greenslade (C), Tyler Lyttle (73' Toby Rennie), Ryan Delaney (T), Emmanuel Adobowale (T), Tyrone Tucker-Dixon (65' Conor Jones), Marc Klok (T), Luke Russe, Ryan Broom, Lewis Ellington (60' James Spruce), Jamie Lucas (77' Kwai Marsh-Brown).
Subs: Liam Armstrong, Conor Jones, Sam Iles, James Spruce, Toby Rennie, Kwai Marsh-Brown (T)