HASTINGS UNITED 1 Newport County 3

NEWPORT County have too often been accused of shirking a physical contest.

The Exiles have been criticised for having too many 'pretty' players who don't like getting stuck in - but Peter Nicholas, himself a gritty midfielder who always went in where it hurt, is gradually changing the County's approach.

His couragous battlers fought tooth and nail for all three points at Hastings United on Saturday - and they have the bumps and bruises to prove it.

Nicholas and his right-hand man Glyn Jones will be greatly encouraged by the performance of their troops, showing great character to pull off a 3-1 victory - thanks to goals from captain Matt Rose, a Garry Shephard penalty and Raith Plant - that almost certainly guarantees their Dr Martens League Premier Division place for this season.

Nicholas may argue that Newport's status in this division was never in any doubt, but this time last week, after a dismal 1-1 home draw with Cambridge City, the boss would agree that the Welshmen were too close for any kind of comfort.

But two away wins in five days, following their 2-1 success at Halesowen Town, has put them in eighth position. Tiverton Town in fifth spot are only six points away now but Nicholas will just be looking to consolidate a top ten finish.

He insists this season is laying foundations for the long-term future of the club and the probable introduction of full-time players next season but, up until today, he had more pressing short-term concerns to worry about.

Now, though, with premier division status secure he can start thinking about what the next campaign will hold for Newport County and Peter Nicholas.

Saturday's win was a gritty away day performance and owed much to County's stern defence and goalkeeper Gareth Wesson. The big stopper had just saved well from Rob Collins after the newly-signed Hastings striker wriggled free from the attentions of Jason Perry when Newport snatched the lead.

Kristian Dimond's left-wing corner wasn't dealt with by the United defence and Exiles skipper Matt Rose was on hand to poke the ball home with 35 minutes on the clock.

Collins should have levelled just before the hour-mark but he dilly-dallied on the ball and Andrew Thomas and Chris Collins cleared up for County. However, within two minutes Hastings scored through fiery midfielder Duncan MacArthur.

MacArthur, who had been earlier instigating scuffles with Dimond and Nathan Davies in the midfield area, was allowed to stroll through to the edge of the box where he unleashed a curling left-foot shot past the stranded Wesson.

Hastings then started piling on the pressure and it was backs to the wall time for County but their defence stood firm.

And as the hosts poured forward Newport hit them on the break with a sucker-punch. Dimond dissected the Hastings defence with a ball of real quality for Shephard to speed onto and the little hitman was felled by United keeper David King.

Without further ado, Shephard dusted himself down and sent King the wrong way from 12 yards, netting his 15th off season

Hastings looked down and out as youngster Plant nipped in to score the easiest goal of his short career with two minutes remaining after sub Mike Fowler's scuffed shot fell kindly at his feet.

For Hastings it was cruel as they stare relegation in the face after just one league win in 19, however Newport are now unbeaten in three. Bring on Cardiff City tonight!

Hastings United (3-5-2) D King; T Burt (c), S Playford, A Flanagan; S Yates, D Simmonds, T Osborne, D MacArthur, N Hegley; R Collins (E Remy, 81), L Zahana-Oni (C Honey, 81) Subs not used: J Bevis, G Webb Booked: L Zahana-Oni 40 (foul), D McArthur 43 (foul)

Newport County (3-5-2) G Wesson; J Eckhardt, J Perry, A Thomas; C Collins, N Davies, M Rose (c) (M Fowler, 81), K Dimond, S Benton; N Davis (R Plant, 87), G Shephard (A Stevenson, 90) Subs not used: L Stone Booked: M Fowler 84 (deliberate handball)

Referee: Mr M Bishop (Southfleet) Attendance: 390