Hastings United remain firmly entrenched in the premier division relegation zone after losing 3-1 at home to Newport County.

Hastings only had themselves to blame again as they wasted several opportunities to end a desperate run which has seen them win only once in the league since October.

New signing Rob Collins should have done better on the half-hour but his low shot was gathered by the keeper. The miss proved costly a couple of minutes later when Matthew Rose scored for the visitors after Dave King had failed to clear with an attempted punch.

Hastings equalised through a glorious individual strike from Duncan McArthur after 58 minutes.

The home side dominated the next 15 minutes and only a superb save prevented Nick Hegley from heading Hastings into the lead.

All Hastings' good work was undone 12 minutes from time when Garry Shephard converted a penalty after the same player had been brought down in the box by King.

Newport substitute Raith Plant added a close range third two minutes from time.