Newport County held Bristol City to a goalless draw at the Robins High Performance Centre.
It was City who were the team on top in the first half as they applied constant pressure to County’s backline but could not break them down.
County were able to bring themselves back into the game as they began the second half but could not find the back of the net.
The Exiles have now played four pre-season fixtures where they have won two, lost one and drawn one.
Cameron Evans also featured in his first appearance this campaign.
Newport got the first opportunity of the game as Shaquille Gwengwe broke free on the right flank and squared the ball to Harrison Biggins, but his shot was unable to find the target.
It was moments later that City pressed the County defence with constant crosses into the box, but Max Bird’s header was wide of goal, ending any threat to Jordan Wright.
The push continued as Scott Twine had his first attempt on goal as he flicked the ball over Wright but could not get enough dip on the ball.
Fifteen minutes into the game and The Robins were still dominating possession but could not register a shot on target.
However, County saw a chance in the 20th minute as Cameron Norman drove into the box and tried to find Gwengwe in the middle, but the striker could not head the ball towards goal.
The Exiles slowly flowed into the game as more frequent chances came their way, although the game remained level.
On the brink of half-time, Newport almost saw themselves past Sam Tickle as an initial shot from Kieron Evans was spilled, with Gwengwe unable to capitalise before the flag was raised for offside.
County had the first chance of the half as an initial cross from Biggins drifted wide to Evans, whose shot was saved, with Gwengwe going down in the box; however, no penalty was given.
The Exiles continued to stay strong throughout the next 20 minutes of the half as they attempted to attack through the wing but couldn’t get an opener.
City began to find their rhythm after dealing with a strong 20-minute spell of County attack as they attacked through the centre of the field but could not get through second-half substitute Shaun Macdonald.
Not long after, The Robins had their best chance of the game as they were awarded a free kick just outside the box; although they could not capitalise, with the set-piece attempt hitting the wall.
As full-time approached, both teams were desperate for a goal as Ged Garner came close to putting County in front, but his shot just dragged wide of the post.
However, neither team could get the ball in the net as the game ended goalless.
Newport County: Wright (MacDonald 46’), Norman, Jenkins (C. Evans 69’), Cameron (Sassi 69’), Thomas, Brennan (Smith 75’), Biggins (Jarvis 69’), Pugh (Patten 61’), K. Evans (Garner 75’), Gwengwe (Doidge 61’), Bamba (Alexander-Walker 61’).
Substitutes: Trialist A, Halpin, Williams.
Bristol City: Tickle, Pring, Atkinson, Dickie, Eile, Knight, Bird, Horvat, Twine, Skinner, Bell.
Substitutes: Collins, Tanner, Knight-Lebel, Yah, Naylor, Randell, Wallace, Greenwood, Morrison, Ezendu, Anderson, Tolaj, Griffin.
