Notts County held by Newport

Newport held promotion-chasing Notts County to a 0-0 draw at Rodney Parade.The goalless encounter was far from boring, with both sides creating plenty of opportunities.The visitors had the first real chance when Jon Stead poked wide at the near post.Shawn McCoulsky came close for the home side but his shot was blocked by Magpies captain Richard Duffy.The Exiles' best chance of the first half came when Padraig Amond found himself one on one with the keeper but his shot went over.Jorge Grant curled a free-kick wide on the stroke of half-time, meaning both sides turned around 0-0 at the interval.Newport captain Joss Labadie had a goal disallowed early in the second period after visiting keeper Adam Collin was fouled.Exiles keeper Joe Day was forced into a vital save when he knocked Lewis Alessandra's powerful shot over the bar.Both sides pushed hard for a winner but neither team could find the back of the net.