AS EXPECTED Newport beat relegation threatened Amesbury Town comfortably on Saturday to keep them in the pack for automatic promotion.

                                                    NEWPORT 5, AMESBURY TOWN 0

With New Milton winning, they leapfrogged Andover New Street, whose match against East Cowes Vics was called off due to the weather making the pitch unplayable, into top spot, while Newport remain third above Petersfield Town in a three-horse title race.

Port began well — Joe Craig had an early chance, put just wide.

But the Islanders did not have to wait long to open their account, through a Ji Nash strike.

A free kick from Nash was superbly struck into the top corner to put Newport 2-0 up, then he rounded off a dream first half by completing his hat-trick.

Newport kept the continuity by starting the second half as they ended the first.

A great through ball by Jordan Browne found Joe Butcher to finish with aplomb to make the game safe at 4-0.

Butcher then went close with an excellent free kick, before he was substituted by Jordan Chapman.

Then it was the turn of Jordan Browne to get in on the act — completing the scoring with a shot that clearly crossed the line, but which the keeper tried to bat away, to send the faithful home happy and restore some confidence after a couple of poor results on the road recently.

Newport, on paper, have a slightly easier run-in than Andover New Street, who face Amesbury tonight (Tuesday).

But the Islanders will be hoping they slip up at Petersfield on Saturday.

Port have a tricky one away at Fleetland tomorrow night (Wednesday), then at Andover Town on Saturday, while New Milton Town face Vics, desperate for points to be safe, at Beatrice Avenue.

If it comes down to the final game, Newport are away at Andover New Street.

Newport (v Amesbury Town): Pitman, Hughes, Hancott, Boyd-Kerr, Oatley (capt), Triggs, Butcher, Colson, Browne, Craig, Nash. Subs: Chapman, Smith, Malin, Burford, Younie.