GOALS from Sean Rigg and Jon Parkin put Newport County AFC 2-1 up at Hartlepool United after Nicky Featherstone's early opener but both sides had to settle for a point at Victoria Park following Padraig Amond's leveller for the 10-man hosts. Here's what we learned.

1. More to Parkin than brute force

If we needed proof that Jon Parkin was more than just a big target man and a bully in the box then we certainly got it at Hartlepool.

The way he controlled a poor ball from Sean Rigg that was fired at his chest and produced a classy turn and volley in the blink of an eye showed he still has the class to shine at this level.

2. Exiles defence is inconsistent

After a poor start to the season with numerous individual errors the defence tightened up nicely with a superb clean sheet at Leyton Orient and was only outdone by two penalties at Luton Town and a super strike against Crewe Alexandra.

But at Hartlepool the defence again looked vulnerable. Despite the welcome reintroduction of Paul Bignot at right-back, Pools overran the County midfield and back four and only Joe Day’s heroics prevented another defeat.

3. Attack is pleasingly efficient

At the other end of the pitch it’s looking slightly more encouraging with County continuing their record of scoring in every game so far.

Nine goals in six games is not spectacular but the strikers are currently making the most of their limited opportunities with two goals from just three shots on target yesterday.

4. Service please!

The worry is that if chances continue to be so hard to come by the goals will dry up. The delivery from out wide and at set-pieces certainly needs to improve.

Marlon Jackson does not look like a wide player and Jack Compton’s return is a big boost but Jennison Myrie-Williams needs to improve on a mixed start to his County career.

5. Feeney frustrated in the stands

The Exiles boss is clearly not happy watching the action from a distance while he serves his touchline ban.

Some managers seem to enjoy the opportunity to get a fresh perspective on their team but Feeney is desperate to get back to the bench and is still considering challenging the FA sanctions.