Report | Bristol Rovers XI 0-2 Newport County

report

Newport County earned a 2-0 victory against a Bristol Rovers XI in a behind closed doors friendly on Tuesday afternoon. 

An own goal and a strike from Courtney Baker-Richardson was enough to seal the win at the Quarters Training Centre. 

It was the Exiles who made a bright start to proceedings, netting an opening goal inside five minutes. 

Anthony Glennon and Luke Jephcott showed great interchange play down the left-hand side before the former's low cross forced an own goal to gift County the lead. 

Continuing their positive start in BS1, the Exiles doubled their lead on the 10 minute mark. After finding space out wide, Oliver Greaves’ pinpoint cross picked out Baker-Richardson who composedly fired home his second goal of pre-season on his return to NP19. 

At the other end, the Gas had a good chance to pull a goal back midway through the half. Glennon’s loose pass was capitalised on by a Rovers midfielder, who fired an effort that stung the post of Nick Townsend’s goal.

Looking to build on their good play, County forced another attacking move in the 36th minute. Kyle Jameson found Jephcott down the left but the winger's low cross was intercepted well to deny Baker-Richardson his brace. 

Just before half-time, another swift move resulted in a shooting opportunity for Greaves, however his low shot was well blocked from close range after a neat tee-up from Baker-Richardson. 

Half Time

Immediately after the restart, it was Rovers who forced an early chance inside the first two minutes. After a goal-line scramble, Townsend pulled off a brilliant save to deny Rovers' forward. 

Searching for a third goal in the clash, a quick one-two between Michael Spellman and Glennon set up a shooting chance for Aaron Wildig on the edge of the area, but he couldn't keep his effort down. 

Midway through the second half, the Exiles thought they found a third goal of the afternoon. Following a smart move, Shane Mcloughlin found the run of Splleman who beat the advancing goalkeeper, only for his effort to be ruled out for offside.  

With five minutes of the game remaining, another chance for the Exiles fell the way of substitute Kiban Rai, but he could only drag an effort well wide of the target. 

Full Time

Newport County XI: Townsend, Mcloughlin (Rai 78’), Clarke (Baker 78’), Jameson, Glennon, Brennan, Whitmore (C.Evans 78’), Wildig (Thomas 85'), Greaves (Spellman 65’), Jephcott (Trialist B 78’, Baker-Richardson (Trialist A 65’). 

Subs not used: Carney.