A NEWPORT County AFC side featuring academy players and triallists won 4-2 in a pre-season friendly at Undy AFC last night.

Ryan Hillier, who got the winner against Moreton Rangers last Friday, had the visitors’ first chance when his header from a corner went wide.

Undy’s Gareth Cullimore saw his headed effort strike the crossbar, and the same player missed a free header soon after.

County went 2-0 up with two goals in as many minutes just before the hour, the first coming from a triallist and an own goal.

Another Exiles triallist made it 3-0 with a header, before Chris Mbangam-Pasi pulled one back for the hosts.

County’s second triallist to score got another with a stunning free-kick, while Dan Jarman made it 4-2 late on.

It is thought that the two County triallists were Bristol City midfielders George Dowling and Connor Lemonheigh-Evans.

Academy manager Jorden Gibson said: “Tonight was definitely the toughest test so far in pre-season.

“Undy AFC are a good side, very physical, which is always a good challenge for any young player.

“A good result, the lads got the minutes they needed. A couple of sore bodies but that’s part of pre-season, building the boys up.

“At half-time, all I asked for was a bit more intensity. I didn’t think we played quick enough in the first half but we were obviously a bit more clinical in the second half with the four goals.

“I was a little bit disappointed with the two goals we conceded tonight but to score 13 goals in four games is pretty good going.

“We’ve got another game on Thursday at Caerleon AFC then we face Premier League opposition Watford on Saturday.

“The games are getting tougher which is the idea, more of a challenge just to test the lads against stronger opposition. So far, so good.”