NEWPORT are sinking deeper into the relegation mire at the Ryman League, Division 1 basement after being thrashed 5-0 at table-topping Wimbledon.

The runaway leaders, already within touching distance of Premier Division soccer next season, thrilled a 2,600-plus Kingsmeadow crowd with a blistering first half show.

Newport had drawn their previous three matches but have no gone nine games without a win.

"Despite the scoreline, Newport were far from the worst side we've played this season," comforted Wimbledon boss Dave Anderson.

"They probably left wondering how they'd been beaten so comprehensively."

Newport, who gave the Dons a real run for their money before losing 2-1 at St George's Park in late January, must have feared the worst when Antony Howard headed the high-fliers into a second minute lead.

Dedegbe was within inches of equalising for Newport, hitting the underside of the Dons bar after waltzing past three defenders.

But his near strike awoke the Wimbledon giant from its slumbers - Newport being sunk by four goals in 19 minutes.

Richard Butler and New Zealand international Shane Smeltz scored two each.

Newport keeper Joe McCormack resembled the target in a funfair coconut sky as Wimbledon powered forward but, to his credit, the burly stopper remained undefeated for the remainder of the game.

He even saved a penalty low down from the hat-trick seeking Smeltz.

Ashford's win over seemingly doomed Croydon has added more pressure on Newport, whose home games against Bashley and Banstead stand out as being critical towards their hopes of survival.