CHIPPENHAM Town lost 2-1 to League Two side Newport County in a pre-season friendly at the Thornbury Surfacing Stadium on Tuesday night.

Mike Cook's men began on the backfoot against Newport but managed to hold out until the 19th minute before conceding. Aaron Lewis crossed for one of the Exiles' trialists to tap in from close range.

Only a Lewis Collins off-target effort punctuated the remainder of the first 45.

In front of a crowd of 349, Chippenham made the perfect start to the second period after being awarded a penalty. Dan Griffiths stepped up to smash home the spot-kick and bring the Bluebirds back on level terms.

The hosts' joy would not last long though, as Newport regained the lead through another of their many trialists.

The second-half drama would not end there, with Cook's men seeing a goal disallowed shortly after the hour mark.

There was to be just one more good chance for Chippenham, but Newport's 16-year-old goalkeeper Evan Ovendale came to the rescue and maintain the 2-1 scoreline.

On Saturday, Chippenham beat Clevedon Town 3-0 at The TS Stadium thanks to goals from Alefe Santos, Dan Griffiths and Kieran Parselle.