Newport County silently suffered in a deserted Rodney Parade as Salford City took advantage of the lack of fans to secure a comfortable win.
County’s supporters inspired their side to comeback victories against Sutton United and Port Vale last month. But after Salford took control with goals on either side of half-time, James Rowberry’s men never looked like returning to this game, which was played behind closed doors due to restrictions imposed by the Welsh government.
The lack of atmosphere contributed to a slow start to the competition, but County should have been in the lead in the 11th minute as second division top scorer Dom Telford missed a glorious opportunity.
The 17-goal striker apparently tap-in from the right just meters from Jake Cain’s cross but claimed he was pulled back by a defender and then failed to get enough of his efforts, leaving his former teammate Tom König to collect the loose ball conveniently for the visitors.
King’s opponent Nick Townsend was called on for the first time in the 14th minute when he defended Brandon Thomas-Asante before Courtney Baker-Richardson was left behind after a corner from Robbie Willmott at the other end.
Oli Cooper shot just over the edge of the box in the middle of the first half and the midfielder then crossed to Baker-Richardson, who hit the side netting with one shot as the hosts continued to have better chances.
But Rowberry’s men couldn’t get off to a promising start and had to pay a minute before the break.
There was a warning in the 35th minute when Townsend had to be vigilant to prevent Matty Lund’s sidelong shot from hitting the bottom corner.
And Salford’s breakthrough came in the 44th minute when Josh Morris was able to drive past Townsend after a sloppy defense from a distraction from Finn Azaz and the post.
A frustrated Rowberry sprinted at break, but whatever he told his players at half time couldn’t bring them to life.
Aramide Oteh headed out after a Donald Love free-kick before Thomas-Asante doubled Salford’s lead in the 52nd minute.
The exiles snorted and puffed, but when Telford reached the expanse 15 minutes from time, they knew it was not their day.
Newport County (4-4-2): Townsend; Norman, Clarke, Demetriou, Lewis (Haynes, 56); Azaz (Collins, 67) Willmott, Cooper, Cain (Bennett, 67); Baker-Richardson, Telford. Unused subs: Day, Farquharson, Fisher, Abraham.
Salford City (4-2-31): King; Vassell, Eastham, Turnbull, love; Lowe, Lund; Shephard (Golden, 32), Oteh (Wright, 70), Morris; Thomas-Asante. Unused subs: Torrance, Smith, Ndaba, Mellor.
Referee: Brett Huxtable (Devon)