Newport County finished their Sky Bet League Two season in defeat, losing 4-1 to Bradford City at The University of Bradford Stadium.
Goals from Calum Kavanagh, Andy Cook, Bobby Pointon and Jamie Walker condemned Newport County to a loss to finish the season, with Harry Charsley netting a concelation in the second half.
Despite Bradford City’s early dominance, it was Newport County who had the first major chance of the contest. Charsley picked the ball up as the home side were hit on the counter, he slipped through Seb Palmer-Houlden but the Bristol City loanee fired over the bar.
Palmer-Houlden had another chance midway through the first half, Luke Jephcott held the ball up in the area and played it to his strike partner, but the shot was wide of Sam Walker’s net.
The Bantams had a number of half-chances throughout the first 45, namely when a ball over the top was mistimed by Nelson Sanca, the ball fell to Andy Cook but the striker’s header was wide.
County countered once more, and Charsley drove forward with the ball, he had the option of Palmer-Houlden again but went alone, but his strike from outside the area was easy for Walker.
The home side took the lead just before the break, Brad Halliday was played down the line and his cross met Calum Kavanagh inside the area who headed past Nick Townsend.
Just minutes later Bradford had their second, Halliday was the provider oncemore and his free-kick met the head of Andy Cook at the back post, giving the Bantams a two goal lead at the break.
Half-time
The Bantams had their third just before the hour mark. Bobby Pointon was found in space on the edge of the box, and he curled the ball past Townsend and into the top corner.
County reacted well and got one back with 25 left to play. Will Evans crossed the ball into Palmer-Houlden who teed up Charsley, with the midfielder slotting the ball into the back of the net from close range.
The home side could have had a fourth from another set-piece. Cook met a corner with only a great Townsend save denying the defender, before Daniel Oyegoke volleyed wide on the rebound.
Inside injury time Bradford added their fourth. Cook was slipped in and he unselfishly squared the ball to Jamie Walker, who tapped home.
Full-time
Bradford City: S. Walker, Halliday, Platt, Smallwood ©, J.Walker, Kavanagh (Smith 78’), Cook, Kelly, Oyegoke, Pointon (Odour 78’), Wright.
Substitutes: Doyle, Gilliead, Chapman, Tomkinson, Richards.
Newport County: Townsend, Bright (McLoughlin 81’), Jameson, Sanca, Baker, Evans; Morris, Charsley (Wildig 81’), Bennett © ( Waite 66’); Palmer-Houlden, Jephcott (Bondswell 66’).
Substitutes: Maxted, Rai, Norris.
