AFC Wimbledon have won back-to-back League Two games for the third time this season
AFC Wimbledon moved into second in League Two after catching Newport County cold on a bitter night at Rodney Parade.
Goals from Josh Kelly and Romaine Sawyers handed Johnnie Jackson's side their second win in as many games to underline promotion credentials going into 2025.
Substitute Oliver Greaves did pull one back for Newport in injury time, but it only came after being unable to make more of a score of earlier opportunities.
And while County failed to keep their cool in front of goal amid freezing temperatures, Wimbledon were clinical with their key chances, in particular Kelly's opener against the run of play at the start of the second-half.
It is now a concerning one win in 10 league games for Nelson Jardim's side, who remain 18th in the table.
They Exiles are six points ahead of Morecambe in 23rd, the side they welcome to south Wales on Sunday.
Still, it was a result that was harsh on the hosts, especially after dominating the opening half.
Within the first 15 minutes, Michael Spellman, Bobby Kamwa and the eye-catching Kai Whitmore had all gone close, former Sunderland man Spellman having forced a fingertip save from Dons keeper Owen Goodman.
And, having extended his loan stay from Huddersfield Town earlier in the day, striker Kyle Hudlin also fired narrowly wide as County's counter attack kept the visitors pinned back.
Wimbledon offered little in reply, with 12-goal frontman Matty Stevens kept quiet until the final moments of the first half.
Even then, his lofted shot from distance was well saved by Jacob Carney, the former Manchester United youngster making just his second EFL start in place of the injured Nick Townsend.
But Carney could do little to stop the rifled finish of Kelly from the left of the area as Newport were caught napping.
Newport, desperately trying to avoid a third successive defeat, could not offer the same kind of threat in response.
And Wimbledon wrapped up the result with 13 minutes remaining. Kelly turning provider, beating the offside trap to the scorn of the home fans and teeing up Sawyers for the former Cardiff City man's first goal since signing on a free last month.
It is just one defeat in eight now for Wimbledon, who jumped up four places to return to the automatic promotion places ahead of Sunday's trip to 17th placed Fleetwood.
Newport's concerns, however, will be growing as they remain too close to the relegation places for comfort.
Newport County head coach Nelson Jardim told BBC Radio Wales:
"We have to focus on the performance because first half it was clear the way we played was exciting and we were creating chances.
"It was just disappointing we didn't score – if we had been winning by two or three it wouldn't have been unfair.
"Second half we were the better team, the team who tried to play better football.
"If you see the game as a whole, it is very unfair."
AFC Wimbledon manager Johnnie Jackson told BBC Radio London:
"It's always difficult coming here, they've proved a difficult opponent – and they did again, but we found a way to win.
"The least said about the first half, the better. We were second best, and credit to the opposition.
"We made a tactical switch at half-time, and it worked. I thought we were much better.
"There's a long way to go, but we are finding a way to win even when we're not at our best and we're in a really good position so I'm really pleased."
