Paul Parker announced his decision to quit New Lodge after this match, which saw his team score five goals for the first time this season.

Former Manchester United legend Parker believes he has taken the club as far as he can, and with ongoing doubts over the club's ability to relocate back in Chelmsford, there are too many questions left unanswered for a man who has made no secret of his intention to manage at a higher level.

Regardless, his time at the Robins has given him the ideal start in cutting his teeth in the managerial game, and despite playing against a largely reserve Newport outfit, this final day victory would have been pleasing, not least for the heroics of goalkeeper Paul Nicholls.

The hosts went in front on six minutes when Mark Dickeson executed a fine header past Nicholls.

The Chelmsford keeper was soon up at the other end of the pitch however when Shaun O'Brien roughly tackled Garry Cross and a penalty was awarded.

Former Chelsea man Nicholls strode up to convert from 12 yards.

Defender Keith Sharman then sought to follow Nicholls' advantage, coming forward to power in City's second as the game was turned on its head.

And a minute before the interval City's afternoon became even better when home keeper Ryan Idzi hauled down Tony Samuels. Idzi was then beaten by his opposite number as City establish a two-goal advantage.

Newport responded in the second period when they pulled one back through Allen Stevenson, but Chelmsford wrapped up the game and their season with two more strikes, as Samuels and Cross added their names to the scoresheet.

Chelmsford finish 9th, their highest league placing for eight seasons.