A goal in each half brought Fleet a crucial and deserved three points from this difficult away trip to the Isle of Wight.
The win, fleet's first ever win against the Island's largest club, brought Mick Catlin's side their second win of the season, and should provide great confidence for two tough home matches this week, starting with Bashley, at home tonight (Tuesday), 7.45 ko at Calthorpe Park, followed by Cray Wanderers at home on Saturday.
For Saturday's match at Newport, Catlin was able to make several changes from the side that crashed out of the FA Cup last weekend.
In goal Catlin brought in 16 year-old keeper, Paul Smith, to make his debut first-team start. And with defender, Neil Morant, still carrying an injury, the Fleet boss called on new defender, Steve Riley, formerly of Bashley and Newport IoW. And assistant manager, Ian Saunders also came in to make his first start of the season.
Right from the start, Fleet enjoyed good possession, but without being able to test Newport keeper, Joe McCormack.
The first chance came after 20 minutes, when Riley made good contact with a header from an Andy Sinton free-kick, which just went wide of the target.
Five minutes later, Fleet took the lead. After another promising attack, Sinton was in possession just outside the area, but with McCormack slightly out of his area, the ex-England mid-fielder, hit the target with a well-judged strike that cleared the keeper, and just found the top corner of the net.
Ten minutes later, mid-fielder, Gareth Keeping almost made it 2-0 with a header from a Shaun Hale cross. But the firm header was just inches over the crossbar.
After the break, the home side fought hard to get back in the match, and on 68 minutes might have equalised but for a brilliant stop by the young Fleet keeper, after Newport striker Ashley Wright had broken free of his marker.
On 80 minutes Fleet increased their lead, when a mistake in the Newport defence, let in striker Lee Paul, who skilfully rounded the keeper, to tap in and seal the match for his side.
