A nightmare 30 minute period either side of half-time cost Newport their place in the top five of National League Three Midlands.

Back-to-back victories appeared on the cards for the Forton Road men as they cruised into a 24-5 lead over Malvern inside 25 minutes.

But the Worcestershire side posted 31 unanswered points in two 15 minute spells at the end of the first half and start of the second to secure a 36-31 victory.

“For the neutral it was very entertaining but it was a big disappointment for us,” said Newport manager Gareth Davies.

Streetwise

“We were in total control early on but we gave Malvern the chance to take the initiative by making a lot of mistakes and they took full advantage.

“Even players who don’t miss tackles normally were struggling to make them and that had a knock-on effect throughout the whole side.

“We need to be a bit more streetwise in the future.”

Jake Goulson, Toby Mann, Chris Taylor and Owen Evans all crossed the line during Newport’s rampant start before Malvern ran riot.

Mann reduced the deficit with a second half try which brought one of three conversions kicked by Jamie Simpson — but Newport had given themselves too big a mountain to climb.

Bottom of the table Hereford were comprehensively beaten 59-15 by South Leicester at Welford Road.

Hereford were no match for their opponents and have now lost seven games in a row.

The Wyesiders are now six points adrift at the bottom leaving coach Steve Bradley with a difficult task of restoring confidence into the squad.