Newport suffered defeat in their final Wessex League Division 1 game at Beatrice Avenue this season, against an in-form and play-off bound Downton.

Newport 0-2 Downton

Following a one-minute applause for former player Graeme Gee, Port started the better, with a Harry Catania drive almost giving the Islanders an ideal start.

Early on, Newport were dealing with the potent Downton attack, limiting them to mid-distance shots or forcing the final ball to go astray.

The game hinged on the last five minutes of the half, with the Port bench up in arms at not being awarded a penalty and, following a dispute over the decision, losing a player to the sin bin.

In the final play of the half, a Downton corner from the right was headed home at the far post.

The second half was a pretty low-key affair, with Downton in control of the match and their keeper rarely worked.

Despite this, Port kept fighting, and it seemed they could nick an equaliser, the home side gifted Downton a corner after a comedy of errors at the back.

Delivered from the right and again headed in at the far post.

Newport continued to go forward with Joe Butcher and Catania having long-distance shots, but the task proved too difficult and the game meandered to its conclusion.

Next up, Port travel to bottom-three club New Milton Town on Tuesday evening (April 23).