NEWPORT County continued their preparations for the new season with a 1-0 win against a Reading XI yesterday.

The friendly was played behind closed doors at the Championship club’s Hogwood Park training pitch with striker Robbie Matthews bagging the only goal.

Exiles boss Anthony Hudson was pleased with the workout against a strong Reading side made up of reserve and youth team players.

“It was a very good test against a very strong Reading Development squad,” said Hudson. “There was a lot of good football played on a beautiful surface and, even though it was very different from a Conference game, it was a good experience for the squad.

“It was a training game and being behind closed doors it allowed us to try a few different things and various different formations,” he added.

“The whole squad got a run out apart from Craig McAllister and Scott Rogers who have slight knocks and I wanted to rest them ahead of the Bolton game.

“That is a big game for us against Premier League players and we will be playing our strongest team.”

Right-backs Paul Rodgers and Paul Robson were involved in yesterday’s match with Hudson hopeful of signing both players in time for the Bolton match.

After Saturday’s visit of Owen Coyle’s Trotters to Spytty Park (kick-off 3pm) the club will host a fans’ open day at the ground on Sunday.

The free event, which runs from 11am to 4pm, is being run by the County supporters club, Supporters Trust and Bar Amber.

Fans will be able to meet the manager and players and watch the first team squad training.

The players will also be posing for photographs and signing autographs.

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