DOM Telford hit the first hat-trick of his career but Newport County AFC boss James Rowberry hailed a total team performance in the 5-0 drubbing of Stevenage.
The Exiles recorded back-to-back League Two wins for the first time this season thanks to a dominant display at Rodney Parade.
Telford, who scored a double in last week’s 3-1 win over Bristol Rovers, put County 2-0 up and his strike partner Courtney Baker-Richardson’s incredible drive earned a 3-0 lead at the break.
The Exiles struck twice soon after the restart with their diminutive striker earning the matchball with a curled finish before Finn Azaz slammed in from distance.
The win lifted County to eighth in the table, level with teams in the play-offs and four points off third, yet it was the display that left Rowberry smiling.
“I think Dom will naturally get man of the match because he scored three goals but I was pleased for the whole team,” he said.
“I said to Robbie Willmott after the game that him in that holding midfield position was a masterclass when I look at it from a tactical and coaching viewpoint.
“The three young lads in front of him [Azaz, Ollie Cooper and Jake Cain] worked hard when we lost the ball to get it back and the back four, especially the two centre-halves, were immense with [goalkeeper] Joe Day leading.
“Then our front two got the goals, so it was really pleasing.”
Rowberry has made a flying start to life as a manager after leaving his role as Cardiff’s first team coach for the top job at Rodney Parade.
The Exiles are now six games unbeaten with 12 points from a possible 18 since the sudden departure of Michael Flynn.
“I don’t feel it’s easy,” said Rowberry, who has kept caretaker boss Wayne Hatswell as his right-hand man. “I am just trying to stay in the moment and work on the things that I believe in and the staff believe in to move us forward.
“I probably didn’t expect a start like this, eight goals in two wins, but I am not getting carried away.
“We’ve got Morecambe next week and I am already thinking about that and what we need to do to improve and move forward.”
The Exiles travel to Lancashire in the FA Cup with the aim of earning a smidgen of revenge for the controversial defeat in last season’s League Two play-off final.
Baker-Richardson came off as a precaution after suffering tightness in his thigh after an hour.
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