Shrimpers held by County

Robbie Willmott missed a second-half penalty as Newport held Southend to their first goalless draw of the season at Roots Hall .

In a largely uneventful League Two clash on Friday night, the Shrimpers were grateful for a share of the spoils in testing conditions after County wing-back Willmot ballooned his spot-kick over the crossbar. Southend had the better of the game in the first half and visiting goalkeeper Lenny Pidgeley did well to tip a close-range header from Will Atkinson on to the right-hand post. Pidgeley then also pushed away an angled effort from Barry Corr before he turned a deflected Lee Barnard header around the post. However, Newport were on top after the break and wasted a great chance to score in the 52nd minute when Mark Phillips hauled down Ryan Burge inside the penalty area. But Willmot's penalty flew embarrassingly high and wide of the target. Southend midfielder Michael Timlin then had a 25-yard shot go inches past the right-hand upright before Willmott almost atoned for his penalty miss right at the death but his close-range effort was saved by Dan Bentley.