James Belshaw - 7
James Waite's fine strike snuck inside the post, giving the keeper no chance. A rare moment of hesitancy coming off his line gave Finn Azaz a chance, but it was Belshaw's superb saves from Rob Street's header and Jake Cain's drive that kept Rovers in the contest.
Luca Hoole - 7
Defended his flank impressively and played several progressive passes in the first half to get the Gas on the attack. Denied an equaliser by a superb Nick Townsend save in stoppage time.
Connor Taylor - 6
Was taken off at half time, which will be a cause of concern for Joey Barton.
James Connolly - 7
Came under intense pressure in the first half but won important headers and a couple of blocks to minimise the damage in the first half.
Nick Anderton - 6
Started well with a good burst forward that ended with a shot on target, but his attacking presence at left-back waned as Newport grew into the ascendancy. Shuffled to centre-back at half time and, save for one poor clearance that gave the hosts a chance, he handled the task of stepping in for Connor Taylor.
Glenn Whelan (c) - 6
An opportunistic poach of the ball in the middle of the park created a chance as he swept a ball in behind for Nicholson, who could not quite make the most of it. Was in the right place at the right time to intercept, denying Dom Telford a clear run at goal.
Antony Evans - 5
Short of his best, with his usual high quality of touch missing. Booted the net in anger not long before he was substituted, summing up a frustrating afternoon for Tuesday's hero. However, he still creates when he is not at his best, with his reverse pass giving Ryan Loft one of Rovers' best chances of the second half.
Elliot Anderson - 6
Strong performance in the first half, with his incisive passing getting Rovers into promising positions, but Newport responded by pressing him intently, giving the 19-year-old less time and space to do his work.
Sam Nicholson - 5
Had Newport concerned on several occasions, but Nicholson was profligate when he got into shooting and crossing positions. His chance to lift the ball over Townsend in the first half was a good one, but he put it on the roof of the net.
Harry Anderson - 5
A wayward crossfield pass that prompted ironic cheers was a symbol of the frustration Rovers felt at Rodney Parade. Anderson, like his teammates, was competitive but not at the high standards that have been set recently. His touch was occasionally lax and his attempts to take players on were snuffed out.
Aaron Collins - 5
Returned to his hometown, but was unfortunately met by a Mickey Demetriou in excellent form. The defender bossed the physical battle. Still, Collins had chances. He would have hoped to get better contact on Nicholson's cutback in the first half with the effort being blocked, and his follow-up shot after Ryan Loft's poke was saved lacked power.
Substitutes
Ryan Loft (for Taylor on 46') - 5
Could have scored soon after coming on, but his stabbed effort was smothered by Townsend. Some of his play was a bit ragged with Newport getting on top of his attempt to hold the ball up.
Jon Nolan (for Evans on 64') - 6
The odd moment of understandable rustiness, but he was tigerish to win the ball back and he moved the ball well, but he made a rushed decision to take a snapshot from range in stoppage time when Rovers could have worked a better opening.
Sam Finley (for Whelan on 64') - 7
Rovers improved with him on the pitch. He upped the tempo while bringing more control.
Not used: Anssi Jaakkola, Trevor Clarke, Paul Coutts, Harvey Saunders.
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