NEWPORT County AFC missed the chance to return to the top of the Blue Square Bet Premier as they slumped to a shock home defeat to relegation-threatened Barrow, who started the day bottom of the table.

The game only went ahead after more than 120 home fans helped clear snow off the Rodney Parade pitch on Saturday morning.

But the Exiles offered their fans little reward for their efforts as Matthew Flynn tapped in after a corner to give Barrow a half-time lead.

And as they pushed for a leveller after the break County were caught on the counter and Danny Rowe sealed a precious three points for the Bluebirds.

As well as being left to reflect on another damaging home defeat, County manager Justin Edinburgh will also be sweating on the fitness of Aaron O'Connor after the Conference top scorer was stretchered off in the first half.

Edinburgh opted not to speak to the media after the match.