Luke Mangham’s strike was the difference on the day between Sheffield and the Exiles in our third pre-season friendly fixture of the campaign.
The game commenced at 19:45 with County pushing for an early opener, however being unable to provide the all-important finishing touch in the first ten.
Sheffield were also visibly up for the occasion making important blocks and dealing with the offensive play appropriately.
Sheffield held their own throughout County’s early flourish of attacks and pursued a counter-attack of their own with Mangham providing a clinical shot beating Day in goal in the 12th minute.
County looked to find an instant reply through both, Charsley and Evans, both having shots deflected away for corner kicks.
Half Time
County Boss, Graham Coughlan switched Waite in for Wildig at the start of the second half in hope for a quick burst of energy and he did almost that, when he accelerated into the box and got a shot away that was saved by an outstretched keeper in the Sheffield net.
The academy scholars who featured made an important impact to the game in the 65th minute, particularly young Moses Walker who created threatening chances down the right side.
Regardless of County’s hard-fought efforts, the scoreline remained the same throughout the second half, with Sheffield’s keeper having a fantastic game saving everything directed at him.
Full Time, Sheffield F.C one, Newport County AFC nil.
Line-up: Joe Day, Trialist A, James Clarke, Kyle Jameson (C), Shane McLoughlin, Scot Bennett, Bryn Morris, Will Evans, Harry Charsley, Aaron Wildig, Trialist B. Subs: Townsend, Bright, Page, Walker, Lonergan, C. Evans, Bondswell, Bowen, Waite, Rai.