A crowd of 415 watched a windswept contest against the Blue Square Conference South side in which Brake belied their lower-league status.

The hosts looked impressive with the breeze at their backs, lively summer signing Mark Bellingham denied early on by keeper Glyn Thompson, who stood up well.

Though Dave Collins crossed for the vistors' Phil Walsh to head wide, James Husband's curler went close soon after and Thompson again had to be lively to Bellingham, racing off his line to fly-kick clear.

A sparkling three-man move in the 39th minute ended with James Husband putting a drive wide - but on the stroke of half time, Newport took the lead following a well-flighted ball from a Collins free kick.

Adam Cooper, under pressure from central defender Ian Hillier, got the final touch that sent the ball in just under the crossbar, although Collins was credited with the goal by Newport.

Four County substitutions at the break included former Coventry international Paul Hall. Some crisp passing followed, but Leamington still looked likely to open the visiting defence.

Jamie Towers found Corbett with a free kick, but Thompson proved equal to the task tipping the ball over, and Blake might have levelled after a smart move with Corbett.

Towers rained three consecutive corners into the box in an excellent spell. Then, with the clock ticking down, Corbett headed back a deep Towers free kick and Blake teed up Sanders' thumping header home.

There was still time for substitute Dave Care to beat three defenders and fire just wide before the whistle.

Brakes: Richard Morris, Jamie Towers, Guy Sanders, Adam Cooper, Josh Blake, Steve Palmer, Liam Reynolds (David Care), Jai Stanley (Sean Brown), Luke Corbett, Mark Bellingham (Capt], James Husband.
Subs Not Used: Dean Ashton, Morton Titterton, Dean Pennells.

Newport County Glyn Thompson, Kevin Stephens, Dave Collins, Adie Harris (Capt], Ian Hillier, Martyn Giles, Kevin Cooper, Anthony Church, Phil Walsh, Craig Hughes, Leon Fisher. Subs used: Nathan Davies, Scott James, Nick Skelton, Paul Hall. Att: 415.