Alfreton Town 4 - 3 Newport County

Alfreton Town's Nathan Arnold opened the scoring against Newport County Credit: Mike Egerton/EMPICS Sport

Newport County missed out on the chance to extend their lead at the top of the Blue Square Bet Premier after losing at Alfreton Town.

County fell behind inside the first 6 minutes after man of the match Nathan Arnold opened the scoring for the home side.

Reds striker Paul Clayton then doubled his sides lead on 17 minutes.

On loan Charlton striker, Michael Smith, pulled one back for the Exiles on the half hour but a Dan Bradley penalty on the stroke of half time put Alfreton 3-1 ahead.

Newport striker Aaron O'Connor again reduced the deficit on the hour mark although County's leaky defence let Clayton in to restore Alfreton's two goal advantage with 20 minutes remaining.

Newport manager Justin Edinburgh threw players forward in search of a way back and a close range finish from O'Connor a minute from time ensured a tense finale, but nothing more.

Newport County remain top of the Blue Square Bet Premier 4 points clear of rivals Wrexham in 2nd.