With several players taking on unfamiliar roles, Newport might have expected a difficult start. Instead, they were comfortably the better side in the opening half. As early as the fifth minute, a cross from the left flashed across the face of goal, just beyond the reach of the onrushing Jordan Browne.

Back in an out-and-out winger’s role, Kai Grace caused the home side’s left-back plenty of problems, although his good work did not quite bring the final ball Newport needed.

In midfield, Kudzhi Mazambara and Keelan Walsh won second balls and disrupted Lymington’s attempts to move forward, while Joe Hancott kept things simple and effective.

There was no shortage of experience at full-back, where Joe Butcher and Josh Younie supported the central defensive pairing of Macauley Watterson and Jez Conway. Conway was named man of the match after an excellent display, repeatedly getting in front of his opponent and denying the home forwards the chance to turn towards goal.

Newport continued to test James Mayo in the Lymington goal, but too many efforts were directed straight at the keeper. At the other end, Leon Pitman was rarely troubled before the break.

As the pitch became increasingly cut up and passing more difficult, Lymington enjoyed a better spell in the second half. Their wide players became more involved, but, much like Newport before the interval, they struggled to turn promising play into clear chances.

Mayo made a good double save to deny Ji Nash, while Browne saw an effort float over the bar. Late on, Mazambara struck a powerful drive that was bravely blocked.

Pitman then made an important late save to preserve Newport’s point, and the final whistle arrived with neither side able to break the deadlock.

A difficult trip to Aldermaston follows on Saturday. The management will hope to welcome back some of their absent players as Newport look to extend their unbeaten away run and put recent disappointing visits to the venue behind them.