CARETAKER manager Wayne Hatswell hailed Newport County AFC’s best performance of the season despite having to settle for a 0-0 draw with Bradford City - and says the side will be a joy for the new boss to work with.

The Exiles bossed much of a pulsating League Two clash at Rodney Parade and came closest to scoring when James Clarke hammered a header against the bar on the hour.

The Bantams are among the sides tipped to be in the battle for promotion but were happy to leave Newport with a point.

“We felt that we dominated the game, not quite start to finish but we were in charge. We always looked like scoring but didn’t have that little bit of luck when the ball fell in the box,” said Hatswell.

“We hit the crossbar and had some shots blocked on the line but we just needed some luck for a 1-0 win.

“The performance was outstanding and I can’t praise the whole starting XI and the subs enough, we are looking dangerous now.

“That was definitely our best performance of the season. We were good last week against Scunthorpe in a professional way [a 3-0 win] but this was a different challenge.

“They are a big club with a big budget and they were really pleased to leave with a point.”

Hatswell is calling the shots after Michael Flynn’s sudden exit and believes the next man will take charge of a side capable of heading up to League One.

“If they keep playing like they did today then whoever comes in is going to have a nice team to look after and they will have some good afternoons ahead of them,” said the coach, who says he doesn’t want the top job.

“I can’t speak highly enough of the lads, they have worked really hard in training and we knew what a tough game this would be.

“We knew that we would have to be at our best to get something and every one of them did that today.

“We dominated but couldn’t quite put the ball in the net, if they keep playing like that then it will be a joy to watch in the next few weeks.”

County host Arsenal U21s in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday before heading to Exeter City on Saturday.