DESPITE seeing his side lose for the first time during his spell at Edgar Street, Hereford United manager Martin Foyle was far from downcast after the 2-0 defeat by Blue Square Bet Premier leaders Newport County at Rodney Parade.

The Bulls showed they are a competitive outfit and played their part in a thrilling encounter that kept the gate of 4,385 — Newport’s biggest for a league match since the club was reconstituted in 1989 — enthralled right to the end.

Had Harry Pell not seen his 12th-minute penalty saved then the outcome might have been different.

But Foyle said: “I can’t fault the players for effort and commitment and I’m sure the supporters will appreciate that and stay behind the lads.

“It’s disappointing to lose a game of football but we more than matched them and if we had scored the penalty and taken a couple of other chances then it might have been a different game.”

Newport’s Jefferson Louis produced a glaring miss from a short Andy Gallinagh backpass in the opening couple of minutes before Hereford had a great chance to take the lead.

Referee Graham Horwood pointed to the spot when Ismael Yakubu brought down Sam Clucas but goalkeeper Lenny Pidgeley dived to his left to save Pell’s penalty.

“I would never blame a penalty-taker because you have to have the courage to take it in the first place,” said Foyle.

There were chances at both ends as the first-half went on and, although Newport were gaining more of a grip as the second period progressed, the game seemed destined to end goalless before a spectacular intervention by Andy Sandell.

The full-back picked up a loose ball almost 30 yards out and sent a perfect half-volley screaming into the top corner of the net.

Hereford did press forward looking for an equaliser but were caught out five minutes into stoppage time when Aaron O’Connor broke away to score.