Sutton 0 County 1

NEWPORT County continue to move menacingly up the league table that seemed to be on everybody's lips this weekend.

The Blue Square South - now a code word for gushing platitudes about plucky underdogs and what football is really all about' - is starting to take shape and County look like genuine promotion contenders.

Gander Green Lane is not exactly Anfield, but County's supporters won't care a jot after the Exiles maintained their unbeaten run that now stretches to six Blue Square South games.

Jason Bowen (pictured) scored the 42nd-minute spot kick, which was enough for County in a potential banana-skin trip to face rock-bottom Sutton United.

The Exiles are back in the playoff spots, have games in hand on virtually all of the challenging sides below them and face a huge game against third-placed Hampton and Richmond at Spytty Park this Saturday.

Things are looking increasingly rosy for Peter Beadle's charges and they certainly deserve it, their 1-0 victory on Saturday was a fine example of the rewards discipline and dedication can bring.

Without ever getting going on a horrendous playing surface, the Exiles controlled the contest for long periods, working hard from front to back and rarely surrendering possession in bad positions.

Goalkeeper Glyn Thompson was at his reliable best, Mark Dodds and Ian Hillier strong, resolute and full of concentration in central defence.

However, it was County's two (occasionally maligned) veteran full-backs who were the stars of the show, skipper Steve Jenkins and left-back Damon Searle were simply terrific.

Faultless in the way they defended, measured in their forays forward and as demonstrative as ever, either one of County's senior citizens would've been worthy man-of-the-match recipients.

Nathan Davies and Lee Fowler also shone, perhaps the most pleasing aspect is that it is becoming necessary to judge them as a pair, a proper midfield partnership.

It's a long time since the Exiles had a duo who complement each other so well, and Davies' tenacity and Fowler's technique and passing ability were a key ingredient on Saturday.

It was a very difficult day for County's front four on an afternoon where chances were at a premium, but the efforts in tracking back from Richard Evans and Bowen weren't in vain, they played a significant role in County's best defensive display since they won at Eastleigh months ago.

The Exiles have never taken three points at Gander Green Lane until now, and though the hosts are bottom of the league they don't look like a side who will stay there.

Direct, physical and in your face, Sutton will always be a threat from set pieces and County dealt with these especially well.

The opening period was short on chances, Thompson saving adroitly from Craig Dundas on 26 minutes following Paul Honey's clever cross.

County were restricted to a couple of off-target efforts from Evans and Fowler, but their passing and tempo were superior to the hosts'.

On 34 minutes the visitors took advantage from Mark Dodds' slip, but Dundas could only hit the side netting as Hillier tracked his run brilliantly.

Just before the interval County got the all- important breakthrough, Hillier's flick-on from Fowler's floated free kick needlessly handled by Dundas just inside the area.

Sutton complained about Bowen's stuttering penalty technique when he scored in the corresponding fixture last season, but he repeated the trick this time and (as ever) sent goalkeeper Phil Wilson the wrong way.

Though County were ahead they still had the better of the chances in the second period, a fabulous move putting Bowen clean through on 65 minutes.

Charlie Griffin had pulled the ball down well and Fowler's splendid pass sent Bowen clear, but he uncharacteristically blazed over the bar.

Though Sutton never threw in the towel they only created one clear opening, Rob Hughes teeing up Dundas with 16 minutes remaining.

The striker controlled well despite the angle being acute, but Thompson denied him with a brave save.

Substitute Jermaine Clarke came closest at the other end, firing just over with an acrobatic effort.

To describe this game as compelling would be a lie, but to simply say County won an ugly encounter would do them a disservice.

This was a victory carved out by collective defensive responsibility and all credit to the Exiles, long may it continue.

l Julian Alsop didn't travel for personal reasons and will be back for Saturday's clash with Hampton. He is not injured, despite rumours to the contrary.

Sutton: Wilson, Sammut, Bray, T Hughes, El-Salahi, Alimi, Honey, Wright, R Hughes (Henry 82), Dundas, Ottaway.

Subs not used: Haverson, McBean, Scarborough, Davies.

Booked: Sammut (dissent, 40), T Hughes (handbags, 42), Bray (foul, 75).

County: Thompson, Jenkins, Searle, Davies, Dodds, Hillier, Bowen, Fowler, Griffin (Clarke 72), Hughes, R Evans.

Subs not used: Pennock, A Evans, Simpson, Jarman.

Booked: Griffin (handbags, 42), Searle (dissent, 45), Hughes (foul, 62).

Referee: Carl Berry (Epsom).

Attendance: 609.