Newport and MK Dons fail to make chances count in goalless stalemate

Newport and MK Dons battled to a 0-0 draw after both sides missed a host of chances at Rodney Parade.

County striker Omar Bogle wasted several opportunities, but the closest either side came to opening the scoring in the first half was when Dons striker Max Dean forced Nick Townsend into a superb save after half an hour.

Townsend’s opposite number Craig MacGillivray presented Will Evans with a golden chance five minutes after the break, but the striker curled his shot wide.

Evans grazed the bar from a tight angle 16 minutes from time and, a minute later, Townsend was again the hero for the hosts as he denied Dons skipper Alex Gilbey from close range.

Newport defender Matt Baker blocked another goalbound effort from Conor Grant late on, before Townsend again saved his side as he held Joe Tomlinson’s shot at the second attempt.

Dons substitute Mo Eisa nearly found a winner a minute after coming off the bench, but he could not quite reach Gilbey’s dangerous ball across the goal as the match finished goalless.