MATT Partridge's return to Basingstoke Town has turned out to be short-lived, with the former Reading youngster signing for League Two outfit Newport County on transfer deadline day.

Partridge played in both of Town's defeats over the bank holiday weekend following his departure from Dagenham and Redbridge, where he had been a first-team regular, by mutual consent.

However, the versatile defender has now returned to the Football League, signing a deal that will keep him at Newport until the end of the season.