Newport County underlined the heart and spirit in their team by battling through most of the second half to earn a goalless draw against Lincoln City.

Defender Mark O’Brien was sent off on a straight red card for a challenge on former Cardiff and County striker Matt Green after 53 minutes, but they fought with a passion which earned a point against promotion rivals.

O’Brien, though, will miss the Boxing Day match at Wycombe Wanderers.

Lincoln City climbed to fifth in the League Two table, while County are two points behind them in 11th. Only two points separate seven clubs in the chase for a play-offs spot.

Danny Cowley’s Imps went above Accrington Stanley, who lost at home against Crawley Town, while Newport are still right in contention at the halfway stage of the season.

Newport named an unchanged starting line-up from the 2-1 win at Cambridge United and the only change to the 18 on duty was the inclusion of former Merthyr Town striker Mo Touray. He replaced Sean Rigg.

Ben Tozer went off injured after only eight minutes and substitute Scott Bennett took over.

More than 3,500 spectators were at Rodney Parade and County showed the passion and togetherness they have.

O’Brien’s departure on a straight red was a massive blow, but County kept battling and earned a valuable point.

Newport now focus on their Boxing Day match at Wycombe Wanderers (3pm).

They then travel to Cheltenham Town on Saturday, December 30 before entertaining Exeter City on New Year’s Day (both 3pm),

Newport County: Day, White, O’Brien, Demetriou, Pipe, Tozer (Bennett 8), Labadie, Dolan, Butler, McCoulsky, Nouble. SubsL Willmott, Amond, Reynolds, Bennett, Owen-Evans, Touray, Bittner.

Lincoln City: Vickers, Eardley, Waterfall, Raggett, Habergham, Anderson, Woodyard, Bostwick, Arnold, Green, Rhead. Subs: Farman, Long, Whitehouse, Ginnelly, Palmer, Knott, Dickie.

Referee: Brett Huxtable.

Attendance: 3,514 (483 away).