Unstoppable League Two leaders Walsall posted their seventh straight win to go 12 points clear at the top of the table, beating Newport County at Poundland Bescot Stadium.
Nathan Lowe's second-half strike made it 13 league games undefeated for the Saddlers, who followed up a Boxing Day victory over Doncaster Rovers with another success in their final fixture of 2024.
Though Newport dominated the ball early on - having more than 80% possession during the first 15 minutes - they soon faded, and the hosts went on to threaten on a handful of occasions at the end of a subdued first half.
Highly-rated Stoke City loanee Lowe came closest before the break, nodding a close-range header wide of the target when left unmarked at the near post following a Taylor Allen corner.
The same pair combined to break the deadlock after half time, though, as Lowe turned in Allen's flick-on from close range to turn the game in Walsall's favour; then, deep into stoppage time, the 19-year-old struck again.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
Walsall are well on their way to promotion, even at this relatively early stage in the race for League One places, as Mat Sadler's side have found the right recipe for success this season.
With a league-leading 11 clean sheets, the division's top scorers have suffered just one home loss in England's fourth tier - highly impressive, by any measure.
While they were below their best for the first half-hour against Newport, the Saddlers showed their mettle to hold off the visitors and Lowe's cool finishing ultimately got the job done.
As for Nelson Jardim's men - who were beaten 5-2 by Bromley earlier this week - they have recorded just one win in nine games and are sinking ever closer to the League Two relegation zone.
WALSALL VS. NEWPORT COUNTY HIGHLIGHTS
73rd min: Walsall 1-0 Newport County (Nathan Lowe)
After spurning a couple of earlier chances, Lowe makes no mistake from close range to put Walsall in front. The young striker reacts first to guide in Allen's flick-on following a long throw-in.
95th min: Walsall 2-0 Newport County (Nathan Lowe)
Lowe seals the deal by thumping home a powerful shot from the edge of the area, as Newport are exposed when chasing a late leveller.
MAN OF THE MATCH - NATHAN LOWE
© Imago
Rising star Nathan Lowe underlined his status as the most admired striker in League Two this term, staying calm to strike twice after missing some previous chances.
Demonstrating his nose for finding the net, the teenager - who joined Walsall on a season-long loan from Stoke last summer - has now scored 13 league goals this season.
Also having the most combined goals and assists (17) so far, he is surely destined for greater things sooner rather than later.
WALSALL VS. NEWPORT COUNTY MATCH STATS
Possession: Walsall 34%-66% Newport County
Shots: Walsall 15-5 Newport County
Shots on target: Walsall 6-1 Newport County
Corners: Walsall 5-2 Newport County
Fouls: Walsall 12-6 Newport County
WHAT NEXT?
After reasserting their dominance at the top of the table, Walsall will visit Notts County on New Year's Day, before a weekend trip to Cheltenham.
Meanwhile, Newport must hope to kick off 2025 in better fashion; they begin next year with back-to-back home matches, hosting Wimbledon and Morecambe.
Jonathan O'Shea
