Hatters rated v Newport County AFC

Alex Lacey: 6 - A bit slow to react for both Newport goals as he played on the left of a three man defence.

Luke Wilkinson: 7 – Again, failed to close down Klukowski as the Newport man was given time and space to fire home, but was solid overall.

Steve McNulty: 7.5 – Displayed usual composure and calmness on the ball. Good in the air and led the back line well.

Michael Harriman: 7.5 - Thrived in the wing-back role early on. Got forward well but failed to cut out the cross that led to Newport’s second goal.

Jake Howells: 9 – Provided a constant threat from left wing-back although at times was caught out of position at the back. His excellent corner set up the third goal before he wrapped up victory with a brilliant solo goal.

Jonathan Smith: 7 – Workmanlike performance from the midfielder who again tried to get forward as much as possible.

Nathan Doyle: 7 - Got caught in possession once or twice but kept things ticking over in midfield and a almost claimed a brilliant assist when he played through Harriman, who then shot wide.

Luke Guttridge: 9 - Enjoyed himself in the free role. At the heart of several slick moves in the first half before opening the scoring with a sensational strike, where he won the ball back, dummied the defender and lashed into the top corner from 30 yards. Also played a part in the second goal.

Mark Cullen: 7 - Unlucky not to score when he was denied by a fine save from Joe Day, but rebound fell to Benson, who headed home. Lively display from the striker before being taken off after 70 minutes.

Paul Benson: 8 - Linked the play well, brought others into play and won several headers. Scored a typical striker’s goal - nodding in from two yards out following Cullen’s shot.

Ricky Miller (SUB): 7.5- On after 70 minutes and scored the crucial third goal with a controlled first-time finish from Howells’ corner.

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