Tanatswa Nyakuhwa struck the decisive goal as Newport County claimed a narrow 1-0 victory against Colchester United in Sky Bet League 2 action at Rodney Parade.
The homegrown midfielder, introduced from the bench, found the net with 11 minutes left to secure all three points for County.
It marked Nyakuhwa’s first goal scored at his hometown stadium, a venue he previously frequented as a young supporter watching matches from the terraces.
The triumph propelled Newport into 12th position in the standings while extending their unbeaten league run to five matches.
Colchester, by contrast, remain in poor form, suffering an eighth consecutive match without victory across all competitions.
The result has intensified scrutiny on Gills manager Danny Cowley, with his side now sitting 19th in the division.
The visitors controlled proceedings during the opening stages and created the clearer opportunities through Beryly Lubala, Moses Sesay and Harry Anderson.
Newport gradually established themselves in the contest and posed threats before the interval through Yahya Bamba, Shaquille Gwengwe and Lee Jenkins.
The hosts began the second half brightly, with Matt Dibley-Dias shooting a half-volley past the far post and Harrison Biggins’ set-piece delivery headed wide by Jenkins.
The decisive moment arrived when Matty Jacob delivered the ball to Nyakuhwa, who maintained composure to slot the ball into the net and wrap up the points for his side.