A SOLITARY strike from Chris Zebroski was enough to give Newport County AFC only their second win of 2014 against ten-man Torquay at Plainmoor. The hosts, rock bottom of the Football League, had Shamir Goodwin sent off in the first half.

But they made the Exiles fight every step of the way. Kevin Nicholson and Welshman Billy Bodin both went close with free-kicks from the edge of the area and Bodin, son of ex-Wales international Paul, also had Exiles goalkeeper Ian McLoughlin worried with a great turn and shot from wide on the left.

Goodwin’s red for an elbow on Mike Flynn ten minutes before the interval swung the contest in County’s favour, however.

Zebroski missed a good chance for his second as he dragged his effort wide just before the break. Andrew Hughes headed against the post from Robbie Willmott’s cross after the break. And the Exiles survived an almighty scramble at the death to win a vital three points.