Newport County ended a six-game winless run in spectacular fashion as they put six past promotion-chasing MK Dons.
The 6-3 loss is MK’s second defeat on the bounce and leaves ninth, a point outside the playoffs.
A Blistering First Half Display
Nelson Jardim’s shot out of the blocks and got themselves in front after just 12 minutes. Laurence Maguire was dispossessed in the left-back position by Bryn Morris who cut inside and unleashed a dipping left-footed drive that bounced in off the woodwork.
Morris had his second just four minutes later as he pounced on the rebound after goalkeeper Tom McGill had parried a Michael Spellman effort. The Exiles were three to the good inside 25 minutes as Bobby Kamwa controlled and turned on a Luke Jephcott pass before rolling the ball into the net from eight yards out.
It was four before halftime as Morris completed his hattrick from the spot with a well-taken kick low to McGill’s right, following a handball by Luke Offord. The MK Dons defender went a little way to atoning for his error when he headed in a free kick to give MK a glimmer of hope.
Hope Extinguished & Another Hattrick
Any hope MK Dons thought they had was removed within minutes of the restart as Kamwa notched his second of the afternoon. The striker raced through the middle before lobbing the ball past the oncoming McGill.
Next, it was the turn of Scott Lindsey’s side to find their goal-scoring groove as they clawed it back to 5-3. Joe White produced a neat left-footed finish past Nick Townsend before Offord was again on the scoresheet, this time tapping in from close range.
However, the final word was left for Kamwa who joined Morris in a fight for the match ball with his third of the match. The 24-year-old broke down the left and fired a right-footed shot high into the net, across the flailing McGill to make it 6-3.
Jardim’s Reaction
Newport boss Nelson Jardim was grateful for his players and the fans following this impressive victory.
“I would like to start by thanking the players and the fans. When you see football the way that football should be played, this afternoon happens.”
Writer’s View
Few would have expected such a scoreline but this win keeps Newport County with a chance of troubling the playoff spots in what is proving to be a very tight division.
