Thurrock 2, Newport County 1 THURROCK consigned champions Newport to only their second defeat of the season after a superb showing got their own play-off hopes back on track.

Although down in eighth spot, Fleet are only three points off the play-offs with games in hand on all their rivals.

With celebratory fans from the Welsh club, who clinched the title on Monday, boosting the crowd to 406, Fleet had an early chance when Paul Olima went close from Fola Orinolishe’s cross.

Gary Warren gave Newport a 19th-minute lead, but the hosts hit back with Warren blocking Leon McKenzie’s shot before they grabbed a brilliant equaliser on the half-hour.

Lee Flynn sent McKenzie clear and he laid the ball back for David Bryant to fire in the top corner.

Orinolishe and Flynn both went close for Hakan Hayrettin’s men before the break, but Fleet were under pressure after the interval when goalkeeper Joe Woolley saved well from Danny Rose.

But from that point on the game belonged to Thurrock. Orinolishe was foiled by Glyn Thomson and, from the resultant corner, Matt Bodkin’s cross was headed just wide by Kenny Clark.

But a great through ball from Bodkin was smashed home by Mckenzie to give Thurrock a famous victory. Thurrock will look to give their play-off hopes a further boost at home to Maidenhead United tomorrow (Tuesday) night.