It was a tough slog for both teams but a wave of relief and euphoria washed around Sixfields when O’Brien-Whitmarsh picked out the bottom corner with just three minutes to go. Here are our player ratings...
5. James Maxwell
Like Wormleighton, he lacked some attacking thrust, choosing to turn back instead of driving forward a few too many times, but in terms of his defensive work there was no faulting his performance... 7 | Getty Images
6. Tyrese Fornah
The way he plays will always frustrate at times, and he had his moments again here, but generally he did the basics well to ensure Cobblers never lost too much control in the middle. And it was his (admittedly misplaced) forward pass that eventually led to the winner... 6 | Getty Images
7. Joe O'Brien-Whitmarsh
He was on course for man of the match even before his brilliant winner. The best player on the pitch by a distance. Took the ball under pressure, showed excellent feet and composure to hold off players, and drove the team forward. Fantastic technique to drill home and spark a wave of relief and joy all around Sixfields. Very exciting given this was just his third start for the club... 8 CHRON STAR MAN | Getty Images
8. Connor Evans
Just didn't look on it from the word go. His touches were loose and he wasn't on the same wavelength as his team-mates. Might have been a fitness thing given his recent injury coupled with the fact he came into pre-season quite late. Also, with the way Newport sat off, perhaps wasn't the type of game suited to his style... 5 | Getty Images