Newport outclassed by the team owned by the class of 92

 Newport went into this game in a rather strange situation as the game against Salford was played behind closed doors. Newport made only the 2 changes for the game as the returning Mickey Demetriou and Liverpool loanee Jake Cain coming into the side for Matty Dolan and Scot Bennett. The game also seen the return of both Liam Shephard and Tom King

In the first half it started quietly with both teams settling into the game and probably getting used to having no fans which I must say was really weird.    

Newport huffed and puffed for most of the 1st half with Cooper, Telford and Baker-Richardson all seeing shots go wide or over Tom King's goal. 

Former County right wing back Liam Shephard had to go off injured 30 mins into his Rodney Parade return. He didn't really do much down the right hand side for me when he was on the pitch and kept looking to swap positions with Theo Vasssell. The game was being played in front of a documentary filmer for the Salford documentary which usually is on Sky Sports in December each year 

In the 35th minute Nick Townsend kept the scoreline level after a wonderful save denying Matty Lund who looked the standout player for Salford and you could see that he's played at a higher level.

Just before the break County went behind to a deflected goal which eventually went down as a Finn Azaz own goal. That no doubt changed what manager James Rowberry said to his players at half time.

Newport looked to start the 2nd half better than the ended the 1st but not long after the 2nd half started Salford went 2 in front as Brandon Thomas-Asante waved his way through the county defense and slotted home past Nick Townsend who was given his chance in goal for the 2nd consecutive week following regular no.1 Joe Day picking up covid-19.

After Salford's 2nd Rowberry decided it was time for a change as we seen Ryan Haynes come on for Aaron Lewis. Shortly after a goal nearly came as Jake Cain fired just wide of the Salford net. 

Rowberry felt as if more changes were needed as we seen Lewis Collins and Scot Bennett come on for Finn Azaz and Jake Cain. The game died out from there and there wasn't such quality on show from either team. You could see why Salford have such a good record when it comes to goals conceded and clean sheets. I thought they were very solid and very hard to break down at times. 

One of the very few benefits to playing behind closed doors is you can hear the manager and coaching staff on the sidelines. Rowberry was very vocal especially to Lewis Collins at one point in the 2nd half. 

The result leaves county in 7th with the 2 teams below them playing in the Fa cup and Papa Johns trophy respectively. A breakdown of the game is coming tomorrow on look back in amber at 3pm on Newport City Radio with me, Stephen and Lamsie. Also don't forget to follow us on twitter @Absoutecounty and on Instagram @absolutely_county