Newport County were unfortunate to lose 0-1 to Millwall in this evening's clash at Rodney Parade in the first round of the Carabao Cup.
Following a really encouraging 60 minutes from the Exiles, Ryan Leonard broke the deadlock which ultimately cooled Newport's momentum.
Newport County came out firing as James Clarke played a ball over the top of the Millwall defence in search of Bobby Kamwa, but the attacker was just beaten to the ball by Max Crocombe.
The Exiles continued their fast start as a well worked corner saw Cameron Antwi left on the edge of the box with a shooting opportunity, but the Millwall defence were quick to smother the chance.
Millwall’s first chance fell to Macaulay Langstaff – who had the ball cut back to him – but the strikers shot was bravely blocked by Anthony Glennon.
Newport responded with a chance of their own as Glennon whipped in a cross to try and find Courtney Baker-Richardson at the near post, but the striker was unable to get his shot off.
Just moments later, the Exiles came within inches of opening the score as the ball was scrambled around the six-yard box, but no one was able to get it over the line before it was cleared by the Millwall defender.
Half-Time
County continued to apply pressure early in the second half as a wonderful cross was played to James Clarke at the back post, but the defender put his volley just over the bar.
Millwall were the side to break the deadlock as the ball was cut back to Ryan Leonard who fired his shot into the top corner of Jordan Wright’s goal.
Michael Spellman came on to make his first appearance of the season and made an instant impact. Darting into the box, the pacey winger attempted to cut the ball back to Kamwa, but the chance was well dealt with by the Millwall defence.
Langstaff had an opportunity to double Millwall’s lead as he made a quick turn to snap a shot goal-ward but the effort was comfortable saved by Wright.
Wright was forced to get low to make another great save following thundering long-ranged effort from Aidomo Emakhu.
Full-Time
Starting XI – Wright, Ogunneye, Baker, Clarke (C), Evans, Glennon, Antwi, Whitmore, Lloyd, Kamwa, Baker-Richardson
Subs – Tzanev, Jenkins, Sanca, Brennan, Davies, Greaves, Spellman, Alexander-Walker, Reindorf
Off;
Cameron Antwi
Courtney Baker-Richardson
Habeeb Ogunneye
Kai Whitmore
On;
Lee Jenkins
Michael Reindorf
Michael Spellman
Ciaran Brennan
Attendance: 3670 (871 away)