NEWPORT County AFC celebrated their first pre-season victory after an impressive performance against their old rivals Hereford at Edgar Street.

New striker Antoine Semenyo put the Exiles ahead from the penalty spot in the first half and substitute Padraig Amond sealed the win in stoppage time.

County started in a 3-4-1-2 formation with Mark O’Brien, Scot Bennett and Fraser Franks at the back.

Dan Butler and Tyler Forbes flanked Charlie Cooper and new captain Andrew Crofts in midfield and Josh Sheehan supported front two Jamille Matt and Semenyo.

The hosts started brightly and almost took the lead in the ninth minute when Harry White drilled a shot just wide after a swift breakaway and smart lay-off by former Exiles winger Jennison Myrie-Williams.

But County soon took charge and began to create plenty of chances.

Butler powered a free-kick towards goal but Martin Horsell got down well to his right to parry it away.

Sheehan curled another free-kick over the bar before Semenyo dragged a shot wide after a quick counter-attack.

Butler then cut in from the left and grazed the outside of the post as the visitors continued to dominate.

At the other end Mike McGrath's free-kick had Joe Day at full stretch but his effort was just wide from 25 yards.

South Wales Argus:

Forbes, who impressed going forward, then beat his man and crossed for Semenyo but the striker's header was saved at point-blank range by Martin Horsell.

There were one or two nervy moments at the back for Flynn’s men and a mix-up involving Day and Bennett almost allowed Myrie-Williams in.

But County deservedly broke the deadlock two minutes before the break when the rampaging Butler was pulled down by Keiran Thomas and Semenyo confidently sent Horsell the wrong way from the spot.

The second half was a bitty affair with numerous changes halting the Exiles’ momentum.

O’Brien, who had picked up a knock in the first half, made way for Robbie Willmott and the midfielder almost scored within five minutes of the restart.

Crofts won possession deep in his own half and released Matt down the right and the striker slid in Willmott cleverly but his shot was wide of the mark.

The first trialist, believed to be Bristol City midfielder Tyreeq Bakinson, appeared on 51 minutes in place of Cooper.

And there were four further changes just after the hour mark with David Pipe, Matty Dolan, Keanu Marsh-Brown and Padraig Amond replacing Crofts, Forbes, Sheehan and Semenyo.

Bakinson blasted a shot high and wide for County and Hereford substitute Jamie Bird forced Day a fine save.

Momodou Touray was the final player introduced for Matt and, after a 22-man scuffle following an over-zealous challenge from Marsh-Brown, Amond rounded the keeper and rolled in the second in stoppage time.

County: Day; O'Brien (Willmott, 46), Bennett, Franks; Butler, Crofts (Dolan, 62), Cooper (Trialist 1, 51), Forbes (Pipe, 62); Sheehan (Marsh-Brown, 62); Matt (Touray, 80), Semenyo (Amond, 62)

Subs not used: Trialist 2, Foulston

Attendance: 1,521 (467 County)