Jake Scrimshaw was handed his Newport County debut in their 0-0 draw with fellow League Two high-fliers Salford City at Rodney Parade.
Striker Scrimshaw joined the Exiles last week having netted twice in 16 appearances for Walsall during the first half of the season.
A cagey affair saw the two teams cancel out each other with Newport reduced to ten men after Josh Sheehan received a straight red card on the hour.
His dismissal resulted in Exiles boss Mike Flynn making a tactical switch with Scrimshaw and Ryan Taylor replaced by Tristian Abrahams and Kevin Ellison in the 70th minute.
A share of the spoils saw Newport finish the day in second spot, level on 39 points with leaders Carlisle United.
Kyle Taylor looked on from the bench as Southend United battled out an uneventful 0-0 draw with fellow strugglers Grimsby Town at Blundell Park.
Taylor, who last week extended his Shrimpers loan until the end of the season, missed Southend’s previous two games after testing positive for coronavirus.
And while Taylor returned to training ahead of the trip to North East Lincolnshire, boss Mark Molesley said his return to action would be monitored closely.
LEAGUE ONE
Goalkeeper Mark Travers made his home debut for Swindon Town in their 2-1 defeat by Doncaster Rovers at the County Ground.
Fejiri Okenabirhie’s double secured the points for promotion-chasing Rovers and left Swindon in the relegation zone.
Travers was powerless to prevent Okenabirhie opening the scoring in the fifth minute and could do little as the same player added a second on the stroke of half-time
Although Hallam Hope halved the arrears in the 73rd minute, the Robins were unable to fashion an equaliser.
FA TROPHY
Brennan Camp and Christian Saydee both sat out as Weymouth exited following a 1-0 defeat against National League North strugglers Darlington.
Will Hatfield netted the only goal on the stroke of half-time at the Bob Lucas Stadium as the visitors progressed to the last 16 after winning the fourth-round tie.
Defender Camp was ruled out due to injury, while striker Saydee was ineligible having featured in the competition for Poole Town this season.
Sam Sherring, who last week extended his loan at Torquay United, will be hoping to help the Gulls reach the last 16 when they visit Boreham Wood on Tuesday.
With thanks to sponsor UPN for their support.
