Liam Shephard rejoined Newport County on a one-year contract after being released by Salford City
Newport County struck twice in the second half to beat Crawley Town at the Broadfield Stadium and seal a first League Two victory under boss David Hughes.
Newport summer signing Nik Tzanev twice denied Ade Adeyemo midway through the first half while Kai Whitmore had an effort kept out by Harvey Davies at the other end in a tight opening 45.
Adeyemo and Kabongo Tshimanga were both unable to bulge the net after the restart - with Reece Brown also going close for the hosts.
But having survived a few scares, the Exiles went in front as Matt Smith fed midfielder Whitmore who rounded goalkeeper Davies before firing into the net in the 68th minute.
The visitors doubled their lead just two minutes later as Lee Jenkins' long throw-in was flicked on to Liam Shephard - on his second debut for the club - who converted from close range.
Tzanev produced another impressive save to keep out Dion Conroy's free-kick before Max Anderson struck deep into injury time to give the home side faint hope.
But Newport held on for victory to preserve their unbeaten start to the 2025-26 campaign.
Crawley stay pointless from their opening two league fixtures following relegation from League One last season.
What they said
Crawley Town boss Scott Lindsey said:
"If there's an example of not taking your chances, that was it today.
"We had some real gilt-edged chances that should put the game to bed. We don't take them, they go up the other end and three minutes later they score off a set-piece.
"If we don't take our chances, we're not going to win a game of football. It was something like 18 shots on goal, gilt-edged some of them. In front of goal at the moment, we're not doing our job."
Newport County boss David Hughes told BBC Sport Wales:
"I'm really pleased. More important for the players really. You look at the effort, the last 10 or 12 days, Barnet, an unbelievable effort to come away with a really good performance.
"Last Saturday against Notts County, a top team with aspirations of getting promotion, and then coming here today to a team who have come down from League One and have invested in the squad.
"The players deserve all of the credit because of how they've gone about their work. The way they've shown discipline and a structure.
"Success for us is making sure everyone's all in and that we don't carry anybody at any point."
