NEWPORT County AFC manager Justin Edinburgh praised his team's "excellent" display as they brushed aside Portsmouth 3-0 at Rodney Parade to progress to the Johnstone's Paint Trophy southern section semi-finals.

A goal in each half from Conor Washington either side of defender Adedeji Oshilaja's header on his home debut sealed the Exiles' passage to the last four in the south alongside Stevenage, Swindon Town and Peterborough United.

"Our game management, our game tempo and the chances we created were excellent," said Edinburgh.

"I was pleased from start to finish and for long periods we dominated and I thought the players rightly deserved the victory.

"Even at 2-0 it's hanging in the balance and if Portsmouth had got a goal it would have been a nervy end.

"But I thought we defended and attacked as a group and were worthy of the three goals, and the backline and the goalkeeper deserved their clean sheet."

The only negative for Edinburgh was a straight red card for captain David Pipe 20 minutes from time.