NEWPORT County AFC goalkeeper Nick Townsend kept a clean sheet when making his international debut for Antigua and Barbuda.

The 27-year-old stopper started in the 1-0 win over Barbados in the Concacaf Nations League.

Townsend, who is set for his fifth season with the Exiles in 2022/23, made four saves in the clash at the Darren Sammy Cricket Ground in Saint Lucia before a dramatic finale.

The West Midlander had one shaky moment when he came racing off his line just past the hour but was given a let off when the attacker shot wide after rounding him.

Townsend made up for that with a superb one on one stop with five minutes to go to set up a dramatic finale when Shavorn Philip scored to earn Antigua and Barbuda the points.

They are number 127 in the FIFA rankings and are managed by former Wimbledon, Crystal Palace, Sheffield United, QPR and Reading midfielder Mikele Leigertwood.

The County keeper faces Guadeloupe on Monday before a double-header against Cuba.

Townsend made 24 appearances last season to close in on a century for the club and is set to resume his duel with Joe Day for the starting spot in 2022/23.

He becomes County's first international since Josh Sheehan earned a Wales call-up in 2020.