Matt Godden claims hat-trick as Stevenage see off lowly Newport
A Matt Godden hat-trick sealed a 3-1 win for Stevenage and condemned bottom club Newport County to an eighth-straight defeat in League Two.
Stevenage had lost seven of their previous eight home games but looked nailed on for three points from an early stage against their former boss Graham Westley.
The visitors made six changes from their defeat at Wycombe Wanderers and there were four debutants in the starting XI, including three of the back four.
Godden took full advantage, netting his first after just nine minutes.
The returning Steven Schumacher played the striker in through the middle of the Exiles defence and Godden confidently found the top corner.
The second was a gift from Newport goalkeeper Joe Day as Godden robbed him of possession on the right touchline and fired into an empty net.
His third came from the spot after Dan Butler had fouled Ben Kennedy and Godden slammed his penalty straight down the middle to claim the match ball.
In the 89th minute David Pipe's cross from the right fell to Butler who finished well into the bottom corner from 20 yards out for a late consolation.
Source: PA
