Will Evans strike gives Newport win against Gillingham

Will Evans netted his 23rd goal of the season to earn Newport a 1-0 win over fellow play-off hopefuls Gillingham at Rodney Parade.

The victory moves Graham Coughlan’s men to within two points of the top seven.

Seb Palmer-Houlden should have given County an early breakthrough when he climbed high to meet an Adam Lewis cross in the 13th minute, but the Bristol City loanee planted his header wide of Jake Turner’s left-hand post.

The hosts instead had to wait until just after the hour to take the lead, but the goal was worth waiting for as Evans produced a superb volleyed finish to divert Harry Charsley’s cross in off the post.

The lively Palmer-Houlden could have doubled the Exiles’ lead two minutes later, but his shot was blocked by Conor Masterson.

Gillingham offered little in attack for much of the game, but goalkeeper Nick Townsend was required to make an impressive reflex save – down low to his left – to deny Timothee Dieng an equaliser 13 minutes from time.