Dartford put a dent in Newport’s title hopes after holding the high-flyers to a goalless draw on Saturday.

Newport are one of several clubs looking to climb above Kidderminster at the top of the Blue Square Bet Premier.

But they found no way past a stubborn Dartford side that offered little in the way of attacking prowess.

Newport had little in the way of goalscoring opportunities themselves in the opening half as the Darts defended well.

Keeper Csaba Somogyi was making his Darts debut after joining from Fulham days before on loan for the remainder of the season.

And the Hungarian saved well from Andy Sandell in the second half as Newport tried their luck from distance. He also produced a good block to deny Scott Donnelly from a free-kick.

Dartford’s first real attempt came on 69 minutes but home keeper Lenny Pidgeley was alert enough to turn Charlie Sheringham’s deflected effort wide. The resultant corner was headed over by Jason Prior.

Chances were becoming more frequent for the Darts and Pidgeley was also called upon to save from visiting captain Elliot Bradbrook (pictured).

Late on Somogyi ensured it was a debut to remember as he saved from O’Connor to keep a clean sheet.