Runaway leaders Newport County are closing in on the Blue Square South title by opening up a 24-point gap at the top after thrashing Basingstoke.

Danny Rose scored twice in the opening 14 minutes and Stuart Douglas increased the lead before Robbie Rice pulled one back before the break.

Sam Foley and Martyn Giles completed the Newport rout in the second half.

Newport could be promoted as early as Friday, 12 March if they win the next two games and results go their way.

Basingstoke: Kitteridge, Mitch-Coop, Warner, Laidler, Christon, Finlay, Rice, Williamson, Pratt, Bryant, Frewen.
Subs Not Used: Hankin, Mitchell, Ogunbote, Downes, Stevens.

Goals: Rice 41.

Newport County: Thompson, Bignot, Collins, Giles, Warren, Todd, Rose, Rogers, Douglas, Foley, Henry.
Subs Not Used: Kerry Morgan, Turk, Reid, Cochlin, Blackburn.

Goals: Rose 9, 14, Douglas 39, Foley 49, Giles 84.

Att: 646

Ref: Justin Amey (Dorset).

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