Newport County missed the chance to move out of the League Two relegation zone as Gillingham scored two late goals to win 3-2.

Michael Spellman's header put County ahead after four minutes as County made an impressive start to belie their position in the bottom two.

Conor Masterson equalised with a header while Josh Andrews wasted a glorious opportunity for the hosts in the second half.

Substitute Cameron Antwi restored Newport's lead, but Gillingham skipper Armani Little's penalty made it all square before Garath McLeary's header won it for the hosts deep into stoppage time.

Two of Newport's five January signings – the returning Ryan Delaney and on loan Harrison Biggins – started at Priestfield.

County made an excellent start and Spellman headed into an empty net following a corner which came after keeper Glenn Morris denied Biggins.

But Gillingham levelled on the half hour with an excellent Masterson header from Max Clark's cross.

Debutant Biggins blazed an effort over the crossbar while Gillingham's Andrews missed two golden opportunities, the second of which he blazed over the crossbar from close range.

The game was delayed during the second half due to one of the match officials not being able to continue and a message over the public address system asking if there was anyone with officiating experience in the crowd.

Once a stand-in was found and play resumed Newport went ahead once again with Antwi slotting home after receiving a pass from fellow substitute and on-loan debutant Tanatswa Nyakuhwa.

But Nyakuhwa gave away the penalty which Gillingham scored to draw level as Little converted in stoppage time.

Deep into stoppage time McCleary headed home Clark's looping cross for the Gillingham winner.