Mark Hughes’ Bantams continued their unbeaten record on the road in 2023, despite being held to a 1-1 draw with Newport County at Rodney Parade.
Andy Cook opened the scoring superbly in the opening period, latching onto Dara Costelloe's flick-on and calmly slotting past Joe Day for his 20th goal in Sky Bet League Two.
The hosts responded to City’s control, and levelled proceedings as Mickey Demetriou’s troubling ball deflected off Liam Ridehalgh and beat Harry Lewis, as both sides shared the spoils in South Wales
After a cagey opening at Rodney Parade, the first chance fell for Graham Coughlan’s side.
Cameron Norman found space on the right but saw his right-footed effort ricochet off fellow-Exile Omar Bogle, and cleared by Matty Platt.
Utilising the right flank well, the hosts threatened again moments later, as Aaron Lewis’ low, teasing cross evaded the entire box - missing Priestley Farquharson’s boot by just a few inches.
Spurned on by a hostile Rodney Parade, City took advantage of their first chance of the encounter.
After weathering Newport pressure, the away side then hit the front just after the half-hour mark.
Cook latched onto Costelloe’s through ball, before coolly rounding Lewis and calmly rolling his shot under the ‘keeper and into the far corner for his 23rd goal in all competitions this season.
With the momentum well in the Bantams' favour, Jamie Walker went close to doubling City’s advantage, seeing his effort blocked in the area.
Sam Stubbs reacted first to the rebound, but the home keeper did well to deny the defender, as the visitors ended the first half in control.
However, Newport responded well after the interval. Harry Charsley and Omar Bogle had efforts lifted over the bar by Lewis, and just after the hour-mark, the hosts were rewarded for their efforts.
Demetriou’s deep cross took a heavy bounce and deflected off Liam Ridehalgh, which caught out Lewis and nestled into the back of the net, to level proceedings in South Wales.
As both sides set out in search of a winner, Costelloe made the most of space just outside the box - as he cut inside and rifled a shot towards Day, but it was saved fairly comfortably.
A minute later, Nathan Moriah-Welsh took aim just outside City’s area, before Stubbs deflected behind for a corner.
Both sides rallied late in search of a last-gasp winner. Harry Lewis did well to deny Norman’s header from a corner and Will Evans watched his header sail over the bar in the final minute.
The Bantams battled late on, but travel back to West Yorkshire remaining unbeaten in their last five.
NEWPORT: Joe Day, Cameron Norman, Priestley Farqharson, Omar Bogle, Aaron Lewis, Scot Bennett, Matt Baker, Charlie McNeill (Will Evans 86’), Harry Charsley (James Waite 83’), Nathan Moriah-Welsh (booked 69’, Aaron Wildig 83’), Mickey Demitriou. Subs not used: Nick Townsend, Sam Bowen, James Clarke, Kiban Rai.
GOALS: Liam Ridehalgh (OG) (61’).
CITY: Harry Lewis (booked 22’), Brad Halliday, Liam Ridehalgh (booked 33’), Matty Platt, Richie Smallwood (Ryan East 81’), Andy Cook, Alex Gilliead (Scott Banks 73’), Dara Costelloe (booked 51’, Harry Chapman 81’), Sam Stubbs, Adam Clayton. Subs not used: Colin Doyle, Tolaji Bola, Romoney Crichlow, Ciarán Kelly.
GOALS: Andy Cook (36’).
ATTTENDANCE: 4,411 (616 travelling Bantams).