Exiles take point from trip to Colchester

Newport secured their first away point since August after playing out a goalless draw at Colchester.Graham Westley officially takes over as the Exiles' new manager on Monday and he will have been impressed by his new side's commitment.Sam Walker saved Reece Grego-Cox's fierce shot early on while at the other end, Sammie Szmodics was denied by Newport goalkeeper Joe Day, who also foiled Drey Wright.Craig Slater curled a free-kick inches wide but Newport went close when Walker spectacularly pushed Jon Parkin's half-volley over from close range.However, Colchester almost took the lead on the half hour when Wright's rasping 25-yard strike skimmed the crossbar and Kurtis Guthrie's shot on the turn flashed just wide early in the second half.Newport defender Darran Jones headed a corner wide and Parkin lifted over the bar while, at the other end, substitute Denny Johnstone's lob dropped wide.Newport sub Marlon Jackson headed straight at Walker late on but the spoils were shared.