WE almost ended Newport County's 28-game unbeaten home record, but were denied by a very late equalliser, despite being down to 10 men for all of the second half.

"In the first half that was probably the best we have played this season," said manager Dean Saunders.

"We were disappointed about the sending off as Curtis Obeng was only a few yards away and I wasn't even sure it was a penalty.

"I thought the 10 that stayed on the pitch battled away and didn't deserve to lose a goal in the last minute.

"I changed it for the last 20 minutes, as Andy Morrell had done well but on his own was struggling, so some fresh legs on to try and get a bit more in their half

"It is difficult though when you only have 10-men.

"We had done well in the first half and I thought we were crusing and could have gone on to score more goals. We were dominating the game, but that's what seems to happen in this league and on a regular basis..

"Without seeing the DVD, and from where I was stood, it just seemed to be shoulder to shoulder, but watching the video will highlight that.

"I am though really pleased with the way we played and knocked it about a bit, as the first part of the game was always going to be really difficult in the conditions.

"We lost Marvin Andrews in the warm up and I thought 'here we go again', but I certainly can't complain about the players as their effort was tremendous.

"On the plus side that's four games undefeated. Scott Shearer has also made some good saves and come for some difficult balls in front of him.

"It's coming together and I have some decent players here. Look at the bench today with Gareth Taylor, David Brown, Jamie Tolley and Andy Mangan. It's not a big squad, but I definitely have a better group than last year."