Newport County suffered a 2-1 defeat to Chesterfield at the SMH Group Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Despite taking the lead through Matt Baker's strike in the 40th minute, two quick-fire goals from Chesterfield just before the break were enough to secure all three points for the hosts.
Head coach Nelson Jardim named an unchanged lineup from the team that defeated Gillingham in their previous outing, with Anthony Glennon, Courtney Baker-Richardson and Jaden Warner all retaining their places in the starting eleven.
Chesterfield created the first chance of the game. A well-delivered corner from Jack Sparkes forced goalkeeper Townsend to punch the ball away under pressure from several blue shirts in the box.
A loose back pass from Shane McLoughlin moments later saw Townsend called into action again, making a crucial tackle to deny Aribim Pepple inside the box.
The Spireites continued to test the Exiles' defence, with Sparkes delivering another dangerous cross. However, Jaden Warner was there to turn the ball away for a corner.
As the Exiles sought to assert themselves, Glennon drove down the left wing and delivered a pinpoint cross, but Chesterfield defended well, clearing it for a County corner. McLoughlin’s subsequent in-swinging corner forced goalkeeper Ryan Boot to punch the ball away.
Minutes later, David Ajiboye had a golden opportunity on the counter. The winger beared down on goal with Bobby Kamwa in support but Ajiboye was denied by Boot, who rushed out to make the save.
Newport County took the lead in the 40th minute when Matt Baker finished superbly from a corner. After a dangerous delivery from Glennon, the ball fell to Baker, who rifled a half-volley into the top left corner.
However, Chesterfield responded quickly. Banks tapped in from close range at the back post following a Sparkes corner to level the score.
Just two minutes after finding an equaliser, Pepple poked home from the center of the box to give the hosts a 2-1 lead.
Before halftime, the Exiles had a huge chance to equalise. Ajiboye found Baker-Richardson in the box, but Boot was alert to get a hand to his strike, denying the equaliser.
Halftime.
Five minutes after the break, Baker-Richardson flicked the ball on to Kamwa, who got in behind Chesterfield’s defense. Kamwa went down following a challenge, but all appeals for a penalty were waved away by the referee.
The first substitution of the game came in the 60th minute, with Josh Martin replacing Ajiboye in an attempt to add fresh attacking options.
Armando Dobra then embarked on a brilliant mazy dribble, beating several County players, but his shot flew just wide of the right post.
Townsend was called into action again, getting out quickly to deny Banks from doubling his tally, making an all important save.
Moments later, Pepple had another chance, cutting inside and curling a strike off the right post. The striker then hit both posts in the space of two minutes, as he dispossessed Glennon and struck across Townsend to hit the left post.
Despite this pressure, Newport defended resolutely as Chesterfield continued to search for a third goal.
Second-half substitute Kai Whitmore did well to drive into the box but was unable to provide the final ball needed to create a chance.
Just before the final whistle, Whitmore won a free kick on the left side of the box. Martin delivered the ball into the area, but as it was headed out to McLoughlin, the referee blew for full time.
Full time
Newport County return to Sky Bet League Two action on Tuesday evening as they travel to Accrington Stanley (7:45pm).
Newport County: Townsend, Thomas, Warner (Spellman 69’), Baker, Clarke (C), Glennon, Antwi (K.Evans 79'), McLoughlin, Kamwa (Whitmore 79'), Ajiboye (Martin 60’), Baker-Richardson.
Substitutes: Webb, C.Evans, Bony.
Chesterfield: Boot, Sparkes (Gordon 90+3'), Grimes, Palmer, Sheckleford (Donacien 76'), Naylor, Oldaker (Fleck 76'), Dobra (Colclough 90+3'), Banks (Duffy 80'), Mandeville, Pepple.
Substitutes: Thompson, Olakigbe.
Attendance: 7,692 (275 away)
