Portsmouth 2-1 Newport County: Match Report

25 March 2017 18:35

Portsmouth celebrate Paul Cook's 100th game with victory over Newport

Paul Cook"s 100th game as Portsmouth manager ended with a 2-1 win over struggling Newport as his side moved closer to promotion to League One.

Goals from Kyle Bennett and Kal Naismith ensured Cook marked his century in style as Pompey opened up a six point lead over fourth-placed Stevenage in the race for a top three finish.

Alex Samuel's 76th minute effort set up a nervy finish but proved no more than a consolation goal for Newport.

Pompey dominated the first half with Eoin Doyle twice going close early on but it took until the 42nd minute for Bennett to open the scoring.

Bennett raced onto Karl Baker's perfectly weighted pass before slotting home with an assured finish.

It looked all over when Naismith headed Pompey's second after 59 minutes after substitute Connor Chaplin had crossed.

Home goalkeeper David Forde then denied Marlon Jackson with a smart stop before Samuel nodded in a Sean Rigg centre 14 minutes from time but it was too little too late for the visitors.


Source: PA