SO GLAD TO HEAR FINAL WHISTLE

PORTSMOUTH moved six points clear of fourth-placed Stevenage to strengthen their hold on an automatic promotion place and Newport County remain six points from safety in 23rd and deep in the relegation mire. But there wasn’t much to separate these two teams at opposite ends of the League Two table in the closing stages.

Pompey looked to be cruising at 2-0 but Newport almost snatched a point in the end. The visitors have earned seven points in five games under caretaker manager Michael Flynn and they won’t be going down without a fight. But Paul Cook’s side showed plenty of spirit as well to hold out for what felt like a significant win.