Newport County recorded their biggest away league win for more than three years last night as they sailed past their name-sakes from the Isle of Wight 4-0.

The last time they won by four clear goals away from Newport Stadium was at Bloxwich in November 1998 when the Exiles were 6-0 victor's - and last night's victory at St George's Park was their biggest league win since they beat Folkestone Invicta 5-0 in February last year.

It was County's third win in a row and their first win in four games against the Islanders - they now move into the top ten with games in hand on teams above them. A brace from the marauding left-wing-back Scott Walker, a first goal in County colours for on-loan hitman Lee Phillips and Darren Ryan's first league strike of the season ensured the Welshmans long trip home was a happy one - but, in truth, the Exiles margin of victory could and should have been greater. However, the win came at a price as Newport striker Martin Paul was carried off with an ankle injury. Early indications point in the direction of an ankle ligament problem and the former Bath City frontman will have an x-ray later today. Centre-back Jeff Eckhardt was also taken off with a back problem, midfielder Matt Rose hobbled off with a hip injury and Phillips had a slight hamstring niggle - but that trio are all expected to be alright for County's next match versus Worcester City in ten days time. "I think it's a good job we haven't got a game this Saturday," admitted Newport boss Tim Harris. "We have put in a tremendous performance against Newport IOW last night but have come away with a few negatives due to the injuries.

"In terms of the performance we are starting to show what we are capable of. I know we have left it late and from that aspect it is disappointing but the positive thing is now we are beginning to take teams apart.

"They are fighting for their lives to stay in this division and were very strong early on, but when we got the first goal we really did open them up and there were some excellent performances."

At half-time the Gwent side could have been four-nil up. Paul burst through on goal three times but the hosts giant keeper Colin Matthews was equal to his first and third effort while Adam Halbrook blocked his second strike.

Eckhardt blazed the ball over the bar from five yards out and poor control let Rose down after a precise Steve Cowe through ball put the midfielder clear on goal, which allowed Matthews to collect comfortably.

The Islanders' first shot on goal came in the 40th minute when Dave Wakefield drove well over from 20 yards out.

Harris must have put something in his players' half-time cuppa as within 50 seconds Walker pounced to put his side one-up as Phillips' original shot was parried by Matthews. The hosts could have levelled five minutes later but Gary Green's shot was deflected wide by Billy Clark.

Walker hit the post for County with a 20-yard shot before Phillips, on loan from Weymouth where he netted 16th times this term, doubled Newport's lead.

Paul also hit the upright after he ran one-on-one with Matthews minutes before Walker made it three as he raced onto a defence-splitting pass from substitute Ryan to fire home. Ryan himself made it four as he was put through one-on-one by captain Darren Robison in time added on.

Newport IOW (3-5-2) C Matthews; J Price (c), A Holbrook (B Thomson, 70), L Bradford; D Wakefield (G Whittingham, 46), S Leigh, L Cole, G Green (A Connor, 75), A Lang; A Barsdell, D Gibbons.

Newport County AFC (3-5-2) P Mountain; J Eckhardt (A Thomas, 57), J Perry, B Clark; S Cowe, M Rose (D Ryan, 36), D Robison (c), N Davies, S Walker; L Phillips, M Paul (A Stevenson, 87). Booking : D Robison 81 (foul). Referee: Mr K Greening Attendance: 443

*PICTURED: Newport County's Martin Paul was carried off in their 4-0 win over Newport IoW.