Southend United 2 - 0 Newport County - Shrimpers close in on top three

Cian Bolger and Stephen McLaughlin both bagged their first Southend goals to secure the Shrimpers a fourth successive win with a 2-0 triumph against Newport.

The Irish duo scored either side of half-time to clinch an entertaining victory for Phil Brown's side at Roots Hall.

And the well deserved win also moved Southend to within three points of the automatic promotion places

Bolger headed the Shrimpers in front on the stroke of half-time when his superb diving header from Will Atkinson's right wing corner flew into the roof of the net from 12 yards.

Southend doubled their lead in the 51st minute when Gary Deegan carved open the Newport defence and teed up McLaughlin who netted with an assured left-footed shot.

Newport nearly got back into the game with David Tutonda and Aaron O'Connor both striking the right post late on.

But there was no way past Shrimpers' goalkeeper Daniel Bentley who set a new club record with an 11th successive clean sheet at home.