GOALS from Padraig Amond and Ben Tozer were enough to earn Newport County AFC a first home win since January 19 as Swindon Town were beaten at Rodney Parade. Here's what we learned...

1. Home win lifts the mood

The sun was out at Rodney Parade and County lifted much of the doom and gloom that has surrounded the club with an excellent team performance and a much-needed three points.

The fans gave the team a standing ovation at half-time and at the end and nobody could complain about a lack of effort from the players as they halted a run of only one win in 12 league games.

2. Amond’s confidence is back

The Irishman was without a goal since the end of January and he admitted afterwards to letting the frustration get to him at times in recent weeks.

But his superbly-taken strike was a weight off his shoulders and he went close to adding to his tally of 12 goals, which makes him the club’s outright leading scorer for the season.

Free Press Series:

3. Tozer’s playing for a new deal

The midfielder is one of several players whose performances have been questioned by some supporters during the recent poor run of form but he’s been an ever-present in the last nine games.

The 28-year-old is also out of contract this summer and this all-action performance will have gone a long way to convincing the manager that his time at Rodney Parade should be extended.

4. Bennett battling for his future

Scot Bennett hasn’t played as many games as he would have liked this season and at times he’s been a victim of his versatility but he showed that he is still a vital member of the squad.

The 27-year-old is another player out of contract in the summer and this display was a timely reminder of what he offers at the back, as well as offering another option in midfield.

5. Academy stars are here to stay

Wales under-19 internationals Jay Foulston and Momodou Touray were both named on the bench against Swindon and it was announced at half-time that the pair had signed their first professional contracts with the club.

Both players still have a lot to learn and Touray in particular has to improve his fitness levels, according to the manager, but the duo have already caught the eye of clubs higher up the pyramid and could be real assets for the Exiles.