Paul Powell scored two late goals to cap a convincing victory for Didcot Town away to the bottom club in BGB Southern League Division 1 South & West on Saturday.

Barring a catastrophe, the win should have secured Didcot's place in the play-offs, and the task now will be a top three-finish to claim a home tie in the play-offs.

Newport, who are now preparing for life in the Wessex League next year, contributed plenty of attacking endeavour in an entertaining match Newport's Richard Morse was off-target, while Richard Witt struck the bar for Didcot, before the visitors took the lead in the 11th minute Unmarked Vinny Rusher headed home a pinpoint cross from Powell.

The crucial second goal arrived before the interval.

Jamie Heapy created space on the right and, after his initial cross had been partly stopped by keeper Sam Webb, Andy Parrott side-footed home the loose ball.

The visitors continued to press forward in the second half and Powell, looking back to his best, added a third with a super strike from outside the box on 55 minutes.

Richard Peirson was denied twice by the quick-thinking Webb as Didcot's big defender looked set to score.

Jason Mann headed Newport's best chance wide, but the final word came from the irrepressible Powell when he grabbed Didcot's fourth with a low shot from the edge of the box in time added on.

Didcot Tn: Watkins, Heapy, Jack, Davis, Peirson, Parrott, Witt (Hope 70), Mulvany (Odhiambo 79), Rusher (Bruce 60), King, Powell. Subs not used Bicknell, Vine.

Attendance: 175.