Hereford United report

Newport County AFC concluded their pre-season schedule with a 4-0 victory over Hereford United at Edgar Street.

Lewis Collins, Ryan Taylor, Saikou Janneh - who joined the club on a season-long loan on Friday - and Trialist 3 were all on target for County in a convincing victory for the Exiles.

It was another impressive performance from Michael Flynn's men, who are preparing for their Carabao Cup first-round clash against Swansea City next weekend.

County were clinical with their chances but had to soak up some early pressure from the home side. Goalkeeper Tom King endured a busy opening period as he was called into action on three occasions in quick succession, keeping out efforts from the home side’s trialists.

But it was the Exiles, with their first effort on target of the afternoon, who took lead through Collins. After Joss Labadie and Padraig Amond combined in the penalty area, Collins diverted the latter’s cross past Hereford goalkeeper Paul White with a first-time finish.

Tristan Abrahams was next up to try his luck for the visitors as he drifted inside the area before striking a low effort towards goal which was blocked by Hereford skipper Jared Hodgkiss.

County again went close to doubling their lead when the goalscorer Collins, displaying individual brilliance, raced into the penalty area and picked out the run of Trialist 1, who fired his effort against the cross. The loose ball bounced down into the path of Haynes but White was able to gather for the home side.

Trialist 1 enjoyed an impressive 45 minutes and nearly grabbed a goal on the stroke of half-time. After cutting inside from the left flank, the defender curled his effort beyond White, only to see it rebound back off the upright.

The Exiles doubled their lead four minutes into the second half after the home side failed to clear the ball to safety, which allowed Taylor to convert from close range.

Meanwhile, the substitute Janneh looked lively after his introduction at half-time and continued to cause the hosts problems. He forced the Bulls’ trialist goalkeeper into making a strong save at his near post before grabbing his first County goal with his second attempt. It was another substitute in the form of Matty Dolan, whose teasing corner was nodded in by the Bristol City loanee at the back post.

County continued to create chances and increased their advantage with 14 minutes left on the clock. Goalscorer Collins, this time turning provider, raced to the byline before cutting the ball back to Trialist 3 in the middle of the area. The midfielder picked his spot and smashed the ball beyond the goalkeeper, rounding off a convincing victory for the visitors.