TRISTAN Abrahams’ red-hot start to the new season continued with a brace as he moved to five goals for the campaign in Newport County’s fully deserved 2-0 win at Bolton Wanderers.

Mike Flynn’s side made the long journey up and back to the north of England in one day but they made the trip worthwhile as they came home with all three points.

Abrahams scored both goals in the second half after County had missed a host of chances in the first and the win was the perfect way to warm up for Wednesday’s home Carabao Cup clash with Newcastle United. With Abrahams in his side Flynn will fancy his chances of another upset.

Ryan Haynes’ cross was headed down by fellow full-back Liam Shephard who also had a shot from distance in a scrappy opening. It was still Newport who looked the more dangerous.

Scott Twine was on the end of a neat passing move and forced Bolton goalkeeper Billy Crellin into a smart save. When the resulting corner was fired in, Shephard was in acres of space and his low effort rebounded off the post with Crellin motionless. Newport should have been ahead.

From two more quick corners captain Joss Labadie went close and then Brandon Cooper headed over when it was easier to score.

Ali Crawford and George Taft had Bolton’s best chances at the other end while Haynes fired in an effort which again forced Crellin into action. Cooper headed over Haynes’ ensuing set-piece.

Josh Sheehan was pulling the strings for Newport who dominated the first half.

The only thing missing for Flynn was a goal, but Bolton did finish with a flourish. Former Cardiff City striker Eoin Doyle ran in on goal before break, Crawford had a free-kick saved, and Nick Townsend did well to save from Nathan Delfouneso. Bolton took heart from their end to the first period when the game resumed. Cooper had his third chance of the game when he again headed over the bar, but Newport finally broke through in the 54th minute.

Labadie’s first effort from the edge of the box was blocked, but he shot on goal again from the rebound and Crellin couldn’t hold the shot. Abrahams followed up to tap into an empty net.

Bolton had an almost-immediate equaliser ruled out. Liam Gordon got to the byline and put the ball in for Delfouneso who controlled and shot past Nick Townsend. The goal was rightly ruled out for the Bolton man handling before the finish. Abrahams made them pay. Haynes was the creator for the striker’s second as he cut in from the left and unleashed a right-footed shot on goal. Crellin had to do better and he spilled the ball in front of Abrahams who couldn’t miss.

Bolton made a triple change in search of a comeback and one of their substitutes – Andrew Tutte – fired wide and Taft headed a corner off target.

Flynn responded by introducing fresh legs in the shape of Robbie Willmott and Scot Bennett for Scott Twine and Labadie. They were soon joined by Padraig Amond.

But by that stage the game was done as a sloppy Bolton side were never going to come back and the only surprise was Newport didn’t make it 3-0 as Sheehan went close and Shephard appealed for a penalty late on.

Bolton Wanderers (3-4-1-2): Crellin; Jones, Taft, Santos; Hickman (Isgrove 66), Comley, White, Gordon; Crawford (Tutte 66); Doyle, Delfouneso (Gnahoua 66)

Substitutes not used: Delaney, Mascoll, Darcy, Alexander

Booked: Comley

Newport County (3-5-2): Townsend; Cooper, Dolan, Demetriou; Shephard, Labadie (Bennett 72), Sheehan, Twine (Willmott 72), Haynes; Taylor (Amond78), Abrahams

Substitutes not used: King, Baker, Janneh, Collins

Goals: Abrahams 54, 63

Booked: Labadie, Cooper, Sheehan

Referee: Chris Sarginson

Star man: Tristan Abrahams (Newport County)