WELLING UNITED 1 NEWPORT COUNTY 2 Defender Paul Cochlin marked his return to Newport County tonight by scoring the winning goal at Welling.

The Exiles' poor run of results is over after a Jason Bowen penalty (15) and Cochlin's glancing header (20) earned them a vital Blue Square South victory.

County are now three points outside of the playoff positions with a game in hand thanks to Cochlin who was making his first league appearance for 15 months after suffering a broken leg.

Welling pulled back a goal just before half-time but Peter Beadle's charges held firm, teenager Scott James making his debut in goal.

Full report, plus all the latest information on the FAW Premier Cup Final date and venue, in tomorrow's Argus Sport.