A Kyle Hudlin strike fifteen minutes from time sealed a 1-0 victory for in-form Newport County over rock-bottom Carlisle on Tuesday evening.
On loan Huddersfield striker Kyle Hudlin’s composed finish stretched the Exiles’ league winning streak to four games.
Carlisle, managed by former Welsh international Mark Hughes, look to be on borrowed time in League Two. They are sitting in 24th place and six points from safety.
Newport created the opening shot at goal as Courtney Baker-Richardson found space to have an effort at goal, with his sweeping shot sailing over the bar, not troubling Gabriel Breeze in the Carlisle goal.
The game’s first clearcut chance came courtesy of Carlisle’s Stephen Wearne. Centre forward Joe Hugill managed to beat the County offside trap, playing the ball into the path of Wearne, who was sharply denied by Nick Townsend.
The visitor’s created another great opportunity just at the halfway mark of the first half; an unmarked Elliot Embleton shot, assisted by Charlie McArthur was another great chance spurned.
A tight affair, Newport’s Joe Thomas had space to have an attempt at goal, in which his shot went wide of the target.
Carlisle should have taken the lead 10 minutes into the second period, when Stephen Wearne managed to beat two Newport defenders down the right-hand side, but his tame shot was easily gathered by Townsend.
Newport Head Coach, Nelson Jardim brought on substitute Kyle Hudlin to try to change the game in the home side’s favour.
Moments after his introduction, he gave County the advantage. Bobby Kamwa’s efficient run on the counter attack stretched Carlisle open, picking out Hudlin who took a touch before firing into the bottom left corner past Breeze to put Newport one up.
Kamwa could have got on the scoresheet himself minutes later, cutting inside towards goal, before unleashing a fierce effort wide.
Carlisle response saw Josh Williams’ wasteful effort unable to get Carlisle back on level terms, with time running out for the away side to snatch a point.
Newport could have sealed the victory when substitutes Hudlin and Josh Martin combined well, the latter crossing the ball to Kamwa who directed his header over the bar.
This result moves Newport up to 14th place after 30 games played, further easing worries of the Exiles finding themselves in a relegation battle.
Next up on Saturday for County is another home game against promotion chasing Bradford City at Rodney Parade. Kick-off is at 3pm.