Newport County earned a hard-fought point in a goalless draw against Notts County at Meadow Lane.
The Exiles put in a disciplined display, with the entire team putting their bodies on the line to block and clear numerous Notts County attacks.
It marked a second consecutive clean sheet for Newport and a significant point on the road against one of League Two's promotion contenders.
Head coach Nelson Jardim made two changes to the starting eleven that faced Grimsby Town last weekend, with Oliver Greaves and Michael Spellman starting in the place of Bobby Kamwa and Aaron Wildig.
Geoffroy Bony, who joined the Exiles on a short-term deal yesterday, made his first appearance for the club after coming off the bench.
The game started with Notts County on the front foot, looking to break down the Newport defence early on. Nicholas Tsaroulla had the first shot of the match, forcing Townsend into an early save, though his effort was deflected over the bar. The resulting corner, delivered by Matthew Palmer, was punched away by Townsend in a crowd.
With 15 minutes on the clock, Newport settled into the game and defended well to keep Notts County at bay. After a spell of possession from the hosts, Newport launched a counterattack. A well-worked move down the left wing saw Kieron Evans find Kyle Hudlin in the box, but the striker couldn't control the ball and the chance was lost.
Notts County continued to apply pressure, with Lewis MacAri testing the Newport defence. After receiving a cross from Jevani Brown, MacAri's shot was blocked well by Spellman.
At the 30-minute mark, Newport had their first shot on target. Hudlin carried the ball down the left and cut inside, but his effort lacked power, allowing Alex Bass to make a simple save.
The home side came close to breaking the deadlock through George Abbott, who carried the ball into the Newport box. His low cross found Alassana Jatta, but the striker couldn’t convert.
Minutes later, David McGoldrick delivered a cross into the box, which Jatta headed down, creating chaos in the area. Ciaran Brennan and Matt Baker were resolute in defence, blocking attempts from Jevani Brown and preventing the Magpies from scoring.
Newport’s best chance of the half came from midfielder Bryn Morris, who saw his shot from inside the box deflect off defenders before being saved by Bass. Just before the break, Abbott forced another save from Townsend with a powerful strike that the goalkeeper did well to deal with.
Half-time
The second half began with Notts County continuing to push for the opening goal. Sam Austin sent in a dangerous cross, which was met by Jatta, but his header went wide. Moments later, McGoldrick tried his luck from distance, but his shot was straight at Townsend, who held onto the ball comfortably.
The Magpies came closest to scoring in the 60th minute when MacAri hit the post. A well-taken corner flicked on at the near post found MacAri, whose header struck the back post before bouncing clear.
There were more chances for the home side as Austin had another powerful shot saved by Townsend, who was having an outstanding game. The goalkeeper’s reflexes were tested again when McGoldrick hit a low drive inside the box, but Townsend reacted quickly to turn the ball wide for a corner.
At the 80th minute, Bony made his debut for the Exiles, replacing Greaves as the team looked to freshen things up in attack.
Notts County continued to create opportunities, and substitute Cedwyn Scott was denied by Townsend with a powerful header from a wide delivery. A few minutes later, Scott had another attempt blocked by Cameron Evans, who threw himself in front of the shot to keep the scores level.
As the game neared its end, Kieron Evans made a good run to play in Courtney Baker-Richardson, but the striker’s touch took him wide, and his subsequent effort was blocked behind for a corner.
In the final minutes, Cameron Antwi, who had replaced Morris, tried his luck from range but dragged his shot just wide of the post.
Despite pressure from the hosts, Newport held firm to secure a vital point on the road, thanks to their resolute defence and the excellent performance of Townsend. With back-to-back clean sheets, the Exiles will look to build on this result as they continue their league campaign.
Full-Time
Newport County return to action on Tuesday, December 3, with a trip to AFC Wimbledon (7:45pm).
Newport County: Townsend; C. Evans, Brennan, Baker, McLoughlin; Morris (55’ Antwi), Whitmore (62’ Jephcott), K. Evans, Hudlin (55’ Baker-Richardson); Spellman (62’ Thomas), Greaves (80’ Bony).
Substitutes: Carney, Clarke.
Notts County: Bass; MacAri, Ness, Platt, Tsaroulla (85’ Cisse); Abbott, Palmer, Austin (75’ Scott); Jatta, McGoldrick, Brown (57’ Gordon).
Substitutes: Slocombe, McDonald, Hinchy, Martin.
