Newport County 1-0 Bolton Wanderers

Image source, Huw Evans picture agency

Image caption, Newport had won 2-0 at Bolton in September.

Newport County ended Bolton Wanderers' 14 match unbeaten run with a win which rejuvenated their League Two promotion hopes.

Nicky Maynard scored the winner to end Newport's run of three consecutive defeats.

Bolton's first defeat since 23 January sees them drop out of the automatic promotion spots to fourth in the table.

County, back at Rodney Parade after two games at Cardiff City Stadium, occupy the final play-off spot.

Bolton's Eoin Doyle struck the crossbar early in the game while team-mate Keiron Lee had two good chances.

Newport looked dangerous at set pieces and Maynard forced a good save from Matt Gilks.

Maynard grabbed what proved to be the winner just after the hour mark, with the veteran striker seizing on an opportunity to score from an acute angle.

Exiles keeper Nick Townsend made a crucial save in stoppage time following a goal line scramble to secure victory over League Two's in-form side.

Newport County manager Michael Flynn:

"You can see why they've been unbeaten for a long period. I thought Bolton were very good and they were better in the first half and a lot more even in the second half.

"I'm just pleased with the three points because we've played better in the last three games and haven't got a point. I don't care how they come, we're at the business end and I just want the points.

"Nicky could have had a hat-trick if it had been against a lesser goalkeeper."