Newport County 2-1 Walsall

Newport team-mates rush to congratulate James Clarke after his late winner

James Clarke's late header gave Newport County victory against Walsall.

Newport took an early lead when Mickey Demetriou pounced from a corner.

They should have doubled that lead when the defender was fouled by Hayden White in the box, but Carl Rushworth got a hand to Matty Dolan's penalty.

Moments later Walsall were level when Emmanuel Osadebe picked out Tyrese Shade, who thundered the ball home, but Clarke had the last say against his former side as he nodded in the winner.

Newport County assistant manager Wayne Hatswell said:

"It seems like we've had a bit of a tough week with the result on Tuesday [a 1-0 loss at home to Northampton Town] not going our way, but we've had such a run of games we felt we wanted to get back to winning ways.

"They've put an unbelievable shift today, I know we made a few changes but we got a reaction and that was what we wanted.

"The players that have come in, some have been waiting for their chance a little bit longer than they should have done but that was the awe were looking for - getting on the front foot and playing out from the back again."