A LESSON in clinical finishing from St Albans consigned County to a defeat they didn't really deserve on Saturday.

Hot on the heels of last week's superb win at Yeading, County again turned in an improved performance, but they were taught a painful lesson about what happens to a struggling side if they don't take their chances.

If ever a game could outline County's need for a new striker to add competition for places then this was it. St Albans goalkeeper Paul Bastock made several key saves, while all Tony Pennock had to do was pick the ball out of the net!

County made the worst possible start, conceding the opening goal of the game after just three minutes. The goal was a soft one to concede, winger Ben Walshe crossed and Matt Hann had the easiest of finishes from just five yards out after Stuart Edwards and Ian Hillier both missed the cross.

However, the early goal didn't dent County's confidence, which is encouraging. They gave 100 per cent for the entire game and never gave up the fight, which is certainly an improvement on certain defeats this season.

County more than shaded the first half, right up until their 39th- minute leveller, though Lee Clarke missed a free header from inside the six-yard box on 28 minutes which could have put his side 2-0 in front.

County tested Bastock throughout the first period, Craig Hughes forcing a save on ten minutes after a snap-shot, before a sensational run and shot from Sam O'Sullivan again forced a smart save.

Bastock made an even better save on 32 minutes, Tyrone Toppar playing in central defender Edwards with a clever pass, but Edwards' powerful drive was tipped around the post.

It seemed unjust that Newport would trail at the interval, and just as some supporters drifted away to get a half-time cup of tea, a moment of magic from Matt Green addressed this injustice.

An Ashley Williams free kick was cleared by the Saints defenders, but Toppar (who replaced groin-strain victim Gary Fisken on 21 minutes), cleverly dinked the ball back into the box.

Toppar's pass was controlled by Green on his chest before he swivelled and fired an excellent shot into Bastock's bottom right-hand corner through a crowd of defenders.

It was no less than County deserved, and Green and Williams both came close to giving them a first-half lead just minutes later, but impressive volleys from both players just went wide.

However, within 20 minutes of the second period County were as good as beaten - the away side created two chances and scored two goals.

The first of these came on 58 minutes and again, owed a lot to poor defending. Makeshift left-back Paul Cochlin missed his challenge, which allowed Hann to cut in and cross.

Although Clarke missed his shot with a fresh-air effort, Rambir Marwa had time to steady himself before hammering the ball into the roof of the net.

Boss Peter Beadle would later criticise his defenders for switching off and it would be hard to argue with him. Six minutes later and the Saints were home and dry, Ben Walshe glancing up to see Pennock off his line before producing a wonderful finish from an acute angle on the left flank.

County continued to carry the fight to the visitors and Green, Hughes, O'Sullivan, Hillier and Toppar all tested Bastock before the end, but neither the goalkeeper nor St Albans was to be denied.

Next up for County is a tricky trip to Dorchester Town on Tuesday evening (kick-off 7.45pm).

County: Pennock, T Evans, Cochlin, Edwards, Hillier, Davies, Fisken (Toppar 21), O'Sullivan, Williams, Green, Hughes. Subs not used: Bradley, Warton, Leek, Prosser. Booked: Hillier (foul, 50).

St Albans: Bastock, Seeby, Burgess, Davis, Lewis, Burton, Hann, Marwa (Cracknell, 85), Martin, Clarke, Walshe (Hakim, 85). Subs not used: Roddis, Lambley. Booked: Davis (foul, 83). Referee: Simon Hooper (Swindon). Attendance: 665.