NEWPORT County AFC will head into their League Two campaign on the back of a goalless friendly draw at Hereford FC.

The Exiles fired a blank at Edgar Street in their final hit-out before the proper stuff starts at Whaddon Road against Cheltenham, who enjoyed a morale-boosting win against Northampton.

County made the short trip to Hereford after edging out a youthful Bristol Rovers side in a behind closed doors friendly in midweek but this time they couldn’t take the spoils.

Nelson Jardim was once again without the influential pair of Bryn Morris and Will Evans – who are back in training, with the latter subject of transfer interest and a swift resolution on that front would be best for all – but he did start the 12th and latest summer signing Bobby Kamwa on the wing.

Cheltenham boss Michael Flynn will have a good guess at what is coming after seeing the XI that started in Hereford; it would be a surprise if Nick Townsend, Shane McLoughlin, James Clarke, Kyle Jameson, Anthony Glennon, Ciaran Brennan, Aaron Wilding and Courtney Baker-Richardson don’t start, probably Kamwa as well.

CHALLENGE: Cameron Evans of Newport County and Preston Bitemo of Hereford compete for the ballCHALLENGE: Cameron Evans of Newport County and Preston Bitemo of Hereford compete for the ball (Image: Gareth Everett/Huw Evans Agency)

County had the first chance of the game in the opening stages when Baker-Richardson was unable to finish from close range after a McLoughlin cross was flicked on by Wildig.

Kamwa cut in off his wing after 15 minutes and forced Bulls goalkeeper Aaron Chapman into a smart save, then the winger was denied by the post midway through the half after getting in down the left.

Hereford had also had their half-chances but it was level-pegging at the break, with a Kamwa penalty appeal waved away late on.

The new boy found Wildig on an attacking run soon after the restart but the skipper failed to round the onrushing Chapman.

Townsend made some smart stops before Michael Spellman flicked an effort narrowly wide with 10 minutes to go, with neither side able to take one of their chances to head into the season with a final friendly win.

County: Townsend, McLoughlin, Clarke, Jameson, Glennon (Trialist 87), Brennan, C.Evans (Antwi 63), Wildig (C) (Trialist A 75'), Greaves (Spellman 63), Baker-Richardson (Jephcott 75), Kamwa (Wood 63).

Substitutes not used: Carney, Baker, Rai, Whitmore, Thomas.