Newport obtained their fifteenth league draw of the season tonight as their match with Portchester finished goalless. It was a game that offered few chances to either side. Newport gave a home debut to Alex Harmer who at the end was named as man of the match as he kept a tight rein on the Portchester forwards.
Portchester kicked off attacking the Shide end. In a goalless first half there wasn’t a shot on target that troubled either keeper. Portchester looked the better side in their approach play but were unable to break down a resolute Newport defence. Newport were relying more on the long ball and although Joe Butcher and Connor Kelly were causing problems on the flanks, their crosses were not converted to shots on target.
An injury to Daniel Poynter just before half time forced Portchester into a defensive substitution, being replaced by Harrison Todd.
Half Time: Newport 0 Portchester 0
Portchester’s second substitution saw Reece Tuppen replace Miles Everitt. Dale Mason outpaced the Newport defence but when cutting in, despite a clear run at goal, he shot wide.
Newport made a double substitution on 71 minutes when Jared Wetherick, who had picked up an injury racing through the penalty area, and Keelan Walsh were replaced by Tom McInnes and Mark Taylor.
A free kick on the left for Newport took a deflection in a crowded penalty area and produced a good save from Cameron Scott.
With ten minutes remaining Portchester made their final substitution bringing on Harry Gregory for Dale Mason.
A 20 yard free kick from Aiden Sainsbury was palmed away by Cameron Scott and scrambled clear. Newport finished looking the stronger side forcing a succession of corners but despite their final push the match finished goalless. The point leaves Newport in twelfth place whilst Portchester move up one place to seventh.
Final Score: Newport 0 Portchester 0
Newport: Streeter, Harmer, Newbold, A Sainsbury, West, Pearce, Walsh (Taylor), Triggs, Wetherick (McInnes), Kelly, Butcher.
AFC Portchester: Scott, Evans, Poynter (Todd), Ramsay, Kirby, Stone, Mason (Gregory), Bye, Easter, Lamb, Everett (Tuppen)
Attendance 87
Referee: Sean Jenkins