IT wasn’t good for the nerves but Newport County AFC got the job done on the road for only the second time this season when enjoying a superb 2-0 win at Gillingham on Tuesday night.

The Exiles deservedly took the spoils after producing a strong first-half performance to lead at the break thanks to a cracker by defender Matt Baker, who volleyed in superbly in the 16th minute, and a fine finish by striker Kyle Hudlin in the 33rd.

They then had to withstand an onslaught by the hosts in the second half but managed to keep out a side who are tipped to be promotion contenders but have now lost five on the spin.

County, meanwhile, continue to work nicely towards a comfortable campaign as they blow hot and cold under head coach Nelson Jardim, dealing exclusively in wins and losses.

Here are some talking points from the clash at Priestfield Stadium…

DECISIONS: Nelson Jardim got Newport County's selection spot-on at GillinghamDECISIONS: Nelson Jardim got Newport County's selection spot-on at Gillingham (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

GETTING THE BIG CALLS RIGHT

There has been some criticism levelled at Jardim, some of it justified and some of it absolute nonsense, but the County boss made some brave selections at Gillingham and they came off.

The Exiles stuck with a flat four but fielded Cameron Evans at left-back and moved Anthony Glennon, who is far more comfortable as a wing-back, further forward.

Baker looked good in the EFL Trophy win against West Ham’s youngsters as a right-back and that’s where he got the nod and that allowed Ciaran Brennan, who looks clunky as a full-back, to return to the middle.

All of those defensive decisions paid off and so did the call to bring in Newcastle loanee Jamie Miley for his first action since suffering an injury on debut at the start of September.

The youngster did a fine job of shielding the defence along with Bryn Morris in the first half and Aaron Wildig in the second until his tank was empty.

Miley won the ball for the second goal that saw Baker drive forward and Bobby Kamwa to cross for Hudlin, another player who had been brought back into the XI.

Jardim held his hands up when he got his selection wrong for County to be a rabble on the road at Swindon and deserves credit for this set-up.

The head coach has showed his flexibility and now needs to get his thinking hat on for Fleetwood this Saturday, because ‘same again’ might not be possible after the effort that everyone put in at Gillingham.

IMPRESSIVE: Newcastle loanee Jamie Miley showed up well on his League Two debut for CountyIMPRESSIVE: Newcastle loanee Jamie Miley showed up well on his League Two debut for County (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

BACKS TO THE WALL

County defended their box superbly and passed their character test but let’s not pretend this clean sheet was a defensive masterclass.

They rode their luck in the second half and one fears what would have happened had the Gills, who ended with a shot count of 25, managed to get one goal.

It was gutsy and, at times, unconventional as the clock seemed to tick extremely slowly.

There were some horrible moments – what was Baker doing with a backheel in his box?! – and some close shaves.

It was in these moments that County’s inexperience showed and they will learn to manage the clock better and take the sting out of the game.

Co-captain James Clarke, who was an unused substitute, is a master of that when buying free-kicks from overkeen attackers.

Kyle Jameson did just that at a key period with quarter of an hour left when he sprinted across to cover and then allowed himself to be bundled over.

The Exiles were helped by Gillingham getting too desperate and changing approach with the introduction of big lump Oli Hawkins up front, who failed to have the Andy Cook effect.

Centre-back Jameson deserves credit after having one of his good days and responding wonderfully to his joint clanger with Nick Townsend against Chesterfield, with the ‘keeper also back to his usual high standards.

Fingers crossed County can name the same defensive unit to face Fleetwood because they have earned the right to go again.

With versatile full-back/midfielder Shane McLoughlin close to a return, things are looking better at the back.

UNPREDICTABLE EXILES

County’s run without a draw has grown to 38 games while they have had wins and defeats in batches under Jardim.

Dealing in maximums or nothing has put them in a pretty healthy position as November approaches.

Some of the underlying data doesn't make great reading but they are on 18 points from 13 games and are in mid-table with a good buffer to the strugglers.

Everyone would have taken that after finishing last season with eight defeats under Graham Coughlan and then having a summer of huge change.

County have something to build on but I can’t surely be the only one who would welcome a nice calm draw against Fleetwood in Newport this weekend?

The Exiles are currently swinging emotionally from highs to lows and a bit of steadiness would not only keep the points tally ticking along but allow the inexperienced players in the squad the chance to develop in serenity.

Wins have some looking for the gap to the play-offs, defeats have others wailing about the wrong decision being made over a new owner and the boss.

If it is a draw against Fleetwood – which is the final league game for a fortnight because of the FA Cup tie with Peterborough – then we can just contently watch Strictly on BBC One or the Dragons on S4C without any drama or overreaction.

Alas, County don’t tend to do the quiet life.