Newport County began their pre-season campaign with a 4-1 victory against Undy AFC at Causeway.
Goals from Michael Spellman, Courtney Baker-Richardson, Kiban Rai and Luke Jephcott secured the win for the Exiles on the road.
County dominated possession in the first period and had an early sight of goal when Michael Spellman had an effort cleared off the line. Kyle Jameson’s long ball picked out Nathan Wood down the right, who then found the on-running Spellman who couldn’t finish from point-blank range.
Spellman made up for his missed chance almost immediately, when his intelligent run was rewarded with a beautifully-whipped cross from Joe Thomas to make it 1-0 after 21 minutes.
As the Exiles continued to push forward in the game, Thomas had a great chance to net his first goal in Amber and Black not long after.
A move, started from Kai Whitmore in midfield, saw the full-back break through but he was unable to beat the advancing goalkeeper, firing an effort of the outside of the post.
Just before half-time, Nathan Wood was next to come closest for County. His darting run in behind the Tigers defence saw him pull a wonderful ball to the feet of Trialist A, whose effort was comfortably saved by the opposition’s goalkeeper.
Following 11 changes at the break, the Exiles began the half strongly again, calving out their first chance of the half after just five minutes.
Kiban Rai broke through the Undy backline before curling a delightful strike which was well kept out by the home goalkeeper.
Just minutes later, County made it 2-0 after Baker-Richardson scored with an unbelievable finish on his return in black and amber on 61 minutes. He cut inside past his man before guiding a brilliant strike into bottom corner.
Rai swiftly added a third after cutting inside and curling the ball into the top corner with 70 minutes gone.
And just two minutes later, Luke Jephcott scored County’s fourth with a clever finish that followed some excellent play from the Exiles.
County unfortunately conceded a penalty late on after a late challenge from Cameron Antwi, which was then put away by Undy’s Harris Thomas.
Newport County (first half): Townsend, Thomas, Baker, Jameson, Trialiast A; Whitmore, Trialist B, Wildig (C); Wood, Spellman (Rai 38’), Trialist C.
Newport County (second half): Hopkins, McLoughlin, Clarke (C), Seberry, Trialist A; Antwi, Brennan, Greaves; Jephcott, Rai, Baker-Richardson.
