NEWPORT COUNTY 0, OLDHAM ATHLETIC 1
Recalled Zak Mills justified his selection by scoring Oldham Athletic’s match-winning goal at Newport County.
The strike in first-half stoppage time earned Latics what could be a priceless three points in their bid to remain in the EFL.
Latics climbed two places to fifth bottom and they are five points clear of Morecambe who are in last place.
Latics, who also had key man David Wheater and Christopher Missilou back after injury, started the game brightly as Filipe Morais set up Alex Iacovitti who couldn’t get a clean connection.
As the ball was cleared the visitors won a free-kick and played it short and Morais’ drive forced Nick Townsend into a great save.
Newport began to apply pressure and create half chances with Ryan Inniss towering above everybody in the box, but his header hit the crossbar.
Following that, Corey Whitely tried his luck with a low shot inside the penalty area, but Zeus De La Paz got down to keep the midfielder out.
Latics tried something off the training ground from a corner as Tom Hamer’s powerful strike went just wide of the Newport goal.
Latics took the lead just before half time as a cross from the left landed at the feet of Jonny Smith and his strike was kept out by Townsend, but Mills was there for the rebound to give the Latics fans something to cheer.
After the restart, Scot Bennett had a strike but de la Paz palmed his effort away to keep the Exiles at bay.
Newport came very close to pulling themselves level as Tristan Abrahams dribbled into the box and beat David Wheater, but his powerful attempt went just over the bar.
In the 85th minute, the hosts were awarded a free kick in the edge of the penalty area. Matt Dolan stepped up, but the wall stood strong to block his set-piece and condemn Newport to their third league defeat in a row.
Goal: Mills (45) for Oldham.
Oldham Athletic (4-2-3-1): de La Paz; Hamer, Stott, Wheater, Iacovitti; McCann, Missilou; Mills, Morais, Smith; Azankpo. Subs (not used): Woods, Fage, Sylla, Maouche, Eagles, Wilson, Emmerson.
Attendance 3,748 (207 visitors).