Newport County beat Gillingham 2-1 thanks to Bogle strike

The Exiles became only the second side to win in Kent in League Two since the turn of the year thanks to Omar Bogle’s 17th goal of the campaign.

County took the lead in the ninth minute when right-back Cameron Norman headed in his fifth goal of the season from a James Waite corner.

The Gills responded to level from the spot through Tom Nichols in the 17th minute after he had been fouled by Charlie McNeill.

The Exiles had the better of the second half and got the lead that they deserved with 13 minutes to go when Omar Bogle slammed in a left-footed shot from a free-kick.

They held firm to take the spoils and they will head into their final game of the season against Crewe at Rodney Parade in 14th, remarkably ending a campaign that featured relegation nerves in 10th.

BATTLE: Priestley Farquharson goes up for a challenge for County at Gillingham (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

Graham Coughlan’s side signed off on their travels with another notable success against a Gillingham side who have been transformed since the January transfer window, with nine wins and a draw from their previous 11 home fixtures in 2023.

Their set-piece prowess led to both goals and the defence produced a switched-on display aftere being a little too charitable in recent weeks.

County made four changes to the starting line-up with Nick Townsend preferred to Joe Day in goal while McNeill was in for Calum Kavanagh up front.

Aaron Lewis returned for the injured Scot Bennett in midfield where he was joined by Nathan Moriah-Welsh, who came in for Harry Charsley.

County are being cautious with the January signing after he returned from an ankle problem and he was on the bench, which featured seven players after two games down to six.

Aaron Wildig was fit to be a substitute after illness and young Harrison Page was involved in the matchday squad for the first time.

The central defender/midfielder played for Welsh Schools FA while going to Lliswerry and signed scholar terms last May.

County started well to ensure the Gills didn’t get their tails up and then struck in the ninth minute.

One set piece had already caused problems after Mickey Demetriou headed Aaron Lewis’ drilled free-kick across the face of goal.

That was cleared behind for a corner and James Waite struck a deep ball to the back post for Norman to win the physical battle to nod in.

CELEBRATION: Cameron Norman nodded County in front (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

Bogle blazed well over from distance after 13 minutes and the hosts then piled the pressure on from long throws to earn a corner, and ultimately a penalty.

McNeill swung for a clearance and caught Nichols, who got up and powered the penalty through the hands of Townsend in the 17th minute.

Gillingham remained on the front foot and Townsend got down to his left to deny Nichols a second after a defensive slip as the half hour approached.

Lewis tried his luck with a viscous effort in the 35th minute and forced Glenn Morris into a rather unconvincing save to his right, with the goalkeeper relieved to see McNeill’s effort from the rebound blocked.

The stopper was forced into action again after 37 minutes when Waite struck a low drive following a long throw into the box.

Townsend pulled off a brilliant stop at the other end in the 42nd minute after Nichols was free from a corner, although it wasn’t registered as a save because referee Craig Hicks gave a foul.

County finished a 50-minute half strongly but it remained 1-1 after an even contest.

There were no half-time changes but the action was punctuated by both physios being called into action.

Centre-back Priestley Farquharson was forced off in the 57th minute with the lack of defensive numbers – James Clarke, Declan Drysdale and Scot Bennett are all sidelined – leading to Charsley coming on.

Aaron Lewis went to wing-back with Norman shifted to the right of the central trio.

County had a golden chance on the hour when they stole possession high up the field and Bogle was played in but, strangely for a top scorer, opted to try and squad for McNeill and the defence scrambled.

Dom Jefferies fired a shot from distance in but it was a regulation save for Townsend after 63 minutes. It was a final act from the former Exiles academy midfielder.

Coughlan made his first change in the 71st minute when bringing on Kavanagh for McNeill seconds after the Manchester United prospect had a shot from distance blocked.

County were edging it and got the lead that they deserved in the 78th minute when Bogle won a free-kick and then lashed in a loose ball after captain Demetriou challenged at the far post from Aaron Lewis’ ball.

The Exiles managed the game superbly to make it to the 90th minute, when the fourth official revealed there were four more to be added.

County safely negotiated them without Townsend being tested to ensure the long trip back from Gillingham was a happy one for players, staff and the 419-strong Amber Army.

Gillingham scorers: Nichols (penalty).

County: Townsend, Norman, Baker, Farquharson (Charsley 56), Demetriou (captain), Evans, Moriah-Welsh, Lewis, Waite, Bogle, McNeill (Kavanagh 70).

Substitutes not used: Day, Page, Bowen, Wildig, Rai.

Goals: Norman, Bogle.

Referee: Craig Hicks.

Attendance: 7,872 (419 County).