Kevin Tkachuk scored Glasgow's second try.

Newport continues to be a very unhappy hunting ground for Glasgow Warriors as they suffered their second defeat from two visits to Rodney Parade so far this season.

Their first loss, in the Magners League, was bad enough to swallow, but tonight’s loss all but ends their chances of progressing to the knock-out stages of the Heineken Cup for the very first time.

With both sides losing in the opening weekend of the Heineken Cup, the Dragons knew the importance of tonight’s encounter. And they showed it too with young fans brandishing Dragons flags and the team taking to the field amongst numerous pyrotechnics. However, there were very few fireworks to speak of once the rugby started.

Both Glasgow’s Dan Parks and Newport’s James Arlidge missed their initial penalty attempts before the Warriors were forced into an early change as Chris Cusiter retired early. Colin Gregor took over scrum-half duties.

As both sides struggled to impose themselves in the opening stages, it was the home side who got the scoreboard ticking first.

A simple catch-and-drive lineout resulted in lock Adam Jones touching down underneath a pile of bodies. James Arlidge converted.

It took until after 20 minutes of play for Glasgow to spend any length of time in the Dragons’ 22.

Gregor released Parks who sent a miss pass to No. 8 Johnnie Beattie as he crashed through a gap in the home defence. Parks converted.

Just four minutes after crossing the try line, Beattie was crossing the touch line as he was given ten minutes in the sin bin for clearing the ruck area using his feet.

The Dragons took advantage of the extra man and set up the platform for Arlidge to send a drop goal between the posts.

Shortly after, Parks had an opportunity to draw the Warriors back on level terms. Bernardo Stortoni received a boot in the side from Aled Brew whilst contesting a high ball but Parks’ penalty attempt was hooked left.

The Dragons then mounted a bid for a commanding half-time advantage.

The home side battered down the right flank which ended with lock Luke Charteris somehow managing to ground the ball despite being held up over the line.

Then, two minutes later, it was Martyn Thomas’s turn to turn the Rodney Parade volume control to 12.

A Glasgow attack ended in disarray, and with Dragons soon in possession, their defence soon followed suit. Fullback Thomas skipped down-field to touch down virtually unopposed as the Warriors franticly tried to re-organise themselves.

James Arlidge converted.

Half-time score: Dragons 22-7 Warriors

With the Warriors back to a full compliment of players, Johnnie Beattie rejoining the pack just before the break, the tables started to turn.

Dragons flanker Dan Lydiate was penalised for a late, and very dangerous, tackle on Thom Evans, and was given ten minutes in the bin.

Now with more numbers than the opposition, Glasgow managed to find the whitewash as replacement prop Kevin Tkachuk crashed through three defenders to touch down. Parks converted.

As both sides rung the changes going into the final stages, neither could add to their points tally.

The Warriors pounded the Dragons line but couldn’t manage to convert the pressure into points.

The final glimmer of hope came with the final play of the game.

Glasgow sought the losing bonus point through a penalty from the touchline. But Parks couldn’t find the target.

Newport Gwent Dragons: Martyn Thomas; Aled Brew, Rhodri Gomer-Davies, Ashley Smith, Will Harries; James Arlidge, Wayne Evans; Phil Price, Steve Jones, Peter Bracken, Adam Jones, Luke Charteris CAPTAIN, Dan Lydiate, Gavin Thomas, Lewis Evans
Substitutes: Duane Goodfield, Hugh Gustafson, Gethin Robinson, Hoani MacDonald, Rob Sidoli, Danny Lee, Richard Fussell, Jason Tovey

Glasgow Warriors: Bernardo Stortoni; Colin Shaw, Dave McCall, Graeme Morrison, Thom Evans; Dan Parks, Chris Cusiter; Jon Welsh, Dougie Hall, Moray Low, Tim Barker, Alastair Kellock CAPTAIN, Richie Vernon, John Barclay, Johnnie Beattie
Substitutes: Pat MacArthur, Kevin Tkachuk, Ed Kalman, Dan Turner, Colin Gregor, Hefin O'Hare, Peter Horne, Kelly Brown

Referee: Romain Poite (FFR)