Newport County rounded off their pre-season preparations with a 0-0 draw against Hereford FC at Edgar Street.
In a game of very few clear-cut chances in HR4, both sides couldn't be seperated at full-time, as the clash with the National League North side completes preparations for the new campaign.
The next time Nelson Jardim’s side are in action will be their League Two opener at Cheltenham Town next weekend.
The Exiles made a swift start to proceedings at Edgar Street and had the first chance of the game after four minutes. Shane McLoughlin’s low cross was flicked on by Aaron Wildig at the near post to Baker-Richardson, who couldn’t find a finish from close range.
Looking to build on their attacking start, the next chance for County fell to them after fifteen minutes. Some good interchange play between Anthony Glennon and Bobby Kamwa saw the latter cut inside past his man before forcing goalkeeper Aaron Champman into a strong diving save.
Midway through the half, The Exiles’ most recent summer recruit came close once again for County. This time, the former Burton Albion man was denied via the post after he showed great skill to beat his defender down the left-hand side.
At the other end, The Bulls had a chance of their own to make the break through on 37 minutes. A long ball from midfield found the run of Montel Gibson in behind Kyle Jameson, but the forward couldn’t produce an effort to test the untroubled Nick Townsend.
Just before the interval the Exiles had shouts for a penalty. Wildig linked up well with Kamwa who was tugged to the ground inside the box, but the referee waved away any appeals, as the game headed goalless going into the break.
Half Time
It was the Exiles who made an assertive start to the second period, caving out an opportunity inside two minutes. Kamwa found the run of Wildig inside the box where the midfielder tried to round Champman, but the goalkeeper did well to reclaim possession.
Calm and composed in possession, County made three changes midway through the half as they looked to make a breakthrough. Following the changes, Spellman came close when his low cross was well blocked at the near post.
The Bulls were next to go close in the contest in the 73rd minute. Hereford’s trialist did well to beat McLoughlin with pace before forcing a strong save from Townsend who kept the scores level.
Just minutes later, the County shot-stopper was to be needed once again as he denied a strong effort from Yusufi Ceesay just inside the box.
In the dying embers, The Bulls went close through Sammy Robinson when he fired an effort on the volley from the edge of the area, which deflected narrowly wide of the post.
Full Time
The Exiles begin their League Two campaign with a trip to Cheltenham Town next Saturday (3pm).
Newport County: Townsend, McLoughlin, Clarke, Jameson, Glennon (Trialist B 87'), Brennan, C.Evans (Antwi 63'), Wildig (C) (Trialist A 75'), Greaves (Spellman 63'), Baker-Richardson (Jephcott 75'), Kamwa (Wood 63').
Subs not used: Carney, Baker, Rai, Whitmore, Thomas.
Hereford FC: Chapman, Robinson, Howkins, Hudson (Skinner 76’), Bitemo (Tilt 62’), Campbell (Teixeira 62’), D’Ath, Matwasa (Ceesay 62’), Babos (Derricott 62’), Gibson (Trialist 62’), Williams (Rooney 76’)