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DEAN Holdsworth was denied his first victory as Newport County manager when his side conceded a last gasp equaliser in yesterday's pre-season friendly at Leamington.

It was a minor irritation for the new boss who will have been pleased at the way his new-look side took shape in the opening period.

Holdsworth started with a 4-4-2 formation with Glyn Thompson in goal, Kevin Stephens at right-back, David Collins on the left and Martyn Giles partnering Ian Hiller in the middle of defence.

Adie Harris took the captain's armband in central midfield where he played alongside trialists Anthony Church and left winger Leon Fisher, another two potential recruits from Holdsworth's former club Redbridge.

Completing the midfield four was debutant Kevin Cooper and the former Cardiff man looked a cut above anyone else on the pitch, offering a constant threat on the right in place of Richard Evans, who was suffering from conjunctivitis according to Hold-sworth.

Cooper's range of passing was particularly impressive and along with the tireless Collins galloping down the left flank, he provided excellent service for starting strikers Craig Hughes and Phil Walsh.

New signing Walsh had the best early chance, getting his head to a Collins cross from the left on 15 minutes but just nodding wide of the Leamington goal.

The first goal of Holdsworth's reign came right on half-time but the identity of the scorer remains a mystery.

Free-kick taker Collins and striker Hughes, who got his head to the ball, both claimed it but the last touch seemed to come from home defender Adam Cooper.

The line-up for the second half saw five changes of personnel with player/coach Steve Jenkins replacing the impressive Stephens and Nathan Davies taking over from Harris (who passed the armband to Hillier).

Nick Skelton replaced Giles, Danny Rose came on for Hughes and latest signing Paul Hall for Fisher, who failed to make his mark playing against the strong head-wind.

There was also a change of system to 4-3-2-1 with the livewire Rose and ex-Jamaican World Cup star Hall supporting lone frontman Walsh.

Despite the move to the Christmas tree formation there wasn't much for the travelling faithful to enthuse about after the break as the rain clouds opened and the sheer number of changes robbed both sides of any continuity.

It did look as if the Exiles would hold out for a first win under Holdsworth but the British Gas Business Football League Midlands Division outfit got the goal their solid display probably deserved in the 89th minute.

Left-back Guy Sanders took advantage of some statuesque marking to power home a header past Glyn Thompson to earn the draw.

Leamington: Morris, Towers, Sanders, Cooper, Blake, Palmer (Ashton, 63), Reynolds (Care, 30), Stanley (Brown, 76), Corbett, Bellingham, Husband.

Subs not used: Tidderton, Penolls.

County: Thompson, Stephens (Jenkins, 45), Collins (Keddle, 53), Harries (Davies, 45), Hillier, Giles (Skelton, 45), Cooper (M. Walsh, 72), Church, P. Walsh (Hartland, 68), Hughes (Rose, 45), Fisher (Hall, 45).

Subs not used: James, Blackburn.

Attendance: 415

1:21pm Sunday 20th July 2008

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