Chris Clements’ fortunate goal after just 90 seconds earned the Stags their second League Two wins in four days.

Clements, who was later denied two further goals by good saves to turn away his drives from the edge of the area, cleverly got ahead of his marker to meet a Lee Beevers cross.

When the ball broke loose Clements blocked the keeper’s clearance and the ball trickled over the line.

After a promising start, however, the Stags had to soak up Newport pressure as the visitors squandered several shooting opportunities from distance and also wasted a series of second half crosses.

Former Stags players Aaron O’Connor and Adam Chapman might have levelled for the winless visitors, but the Stags hung on.

And in injury time substitute Ollie Palmer headed over an open goal after a surging run from Rob Taylor.

Afterwards manager Paul Cox praised his players’ battling qualities and the fans’ support. “The fans were tremendous. They got behind us. Everyone knows we are struggling to get a fully fit squad and the fans have bought into that and backed us.”