By Hannah Blackwell

Newport County manager Nelson Jardim praised his team’s character as a 2-0 away win at Gillingham moved his team up to 13th spot in League Two.

First-half goals from Matt Baker and Kyle Hudlin secured Newport a much-needed victory at out-of-sorts Gillingham.

https://twitter.com/NewportCounty/status/1848839823563341908

FT: Gillingham 0-2 Newport County#Gills pic.twitter.com/vyRVkBgfvk

— Gillingham FC (@TheGillsFC) October 22, 2024

The Exiles stopped a three-game losing run as they inflicted the hosts’ fifth straight league defeat.

“I’m very, very satisfied with that, “ said Jardim.

“I would say this win goes entirely to the fans. I know they’ve been disappointed, especially the last game, but I think they deserve this win.

“It’s just over 100 fans we had here tonight, with a lot of travel, so thanks for their support.

“We knew this match would be tough… but this was the game to bounce back, the boys showed that, showed the character we need, and again we’ve probably been a little bit too much criticised for conceding goals.

“Coming up here and defending like we did, especially towards the end of the game, was just brilliant – everyone was up there at their best and we now have to build on this win.”

Defender Baker broke the deadlock with his third goal of the season as he emphatically volleyed home Anthony Glennon’s fine free-kick.

Huddersfield loanee Hudlin hit his third goal in five games as he fired Bobby Kamwa’s early cross into the far corner in the 33rd minute.

https://twitter.com/NewportCounty/status/1848857596213760339