VIVID memories linger of the last time Newport County produced an utterly dazzling away performance.

It was January 2013 and despite a recent walloping at home to Forest Green Rovers – grim – the Exiles went to Lincoln City and utterly demolished them, scoring four times in an electric first half performance.

Robbie Willmott – who in the context of this column definitely merits mention – and Aaron O’Connor scored two goals apiece and Max Porter was utterly imperious in midfield in tandem with Lee Evans, County scoring four when they could easily have had eight.

Fast forward to November 2014 and it is a lovely change of pace to be able to pick out two players, Porter and O’Connor, for special mention after both returned to their absolute best against Exeter and Bury respectively in the past week.

Porter has been injury ravaged and has spoken eloquently in the Argus as to how badly his morale has suffered, so it was fabulous to hear news of him smashing home a fine goal from in the King Baudouin stadium as Wales produced their own important point.

That was eclipsed however, on the drive to Liverpool for the boxing as Aaron O’Connor showed every attribute in scoring a hat-trick at a club whose wage budget is in the stratosphere in comparison to the County.

Both players have feared for their futures since the Lincoln obliteration and it is testament to Justin Edinburgh that his faith in the duo has never wavered.

O’Connor especially has come in for criticism this season, but you can’t miss an entire season of football and then step up a level – from the Conference to League Two – and be expected to make an instant impact.

Edinburgh began the season with faith that two of Chris Zebroski, Rene Howe and O’Connor would form a prolific partnership and hopefully his patience is beginning to pay dividends.

Both O’Connor and Porter played huge roles in helping County back into the Football League and have embraced all aspects of the club, Porter moving lock and stock to Gwent and O’Connor turning down other offers as a free agent in July 2013 to remain at Rodney Parade.

It’s definitely overdue, but it is brilliant to see them both shining brightly once more as the Exiles go from strength to strength. By any measure, losing once in 15 games is sensational. Long may it continue.