GOALKEEPER Nick Townsend will continue his battle with Joe Day for the start at Newport County AFC after signing a two-year contract extension.

The 28-year-old from the West Midlands has racked up 111 appearances for the Exiles since joining from Barnsley in 2018.

Townsend, whose exploits have earned six caps for Antigua and Barbuda, finished last season as the starter.

He made 21 outings last season while Day, who has another year left on his current deal, got the nod 34 times after forcing his way in under manager Graham Coughlan.

Townend made just six League Two starts under the boss but was rewarded for his patience against Gillingham and Crewe in the run-in.

The stopper has followed centre-back James Clarke in penning a fresh deal with the club waiting for answers from defenders Mickey Demetriou, Priestley Farquharson and Cameron Norman, midfielder Scot Bennett and versatile Aaron Lewis.

Newport County manager Graham Coughlan with goalkeeper Nick Townsend (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

Coughlan said: "Nick was desperately seeking to be the club’s number one throughout last season, we gave him that opportunity and he’s been fantastic.

"We gave him an early offer and in turn got an early reply. It’s always great to have an international footballer amongst the squad while playing for us, which cannot be overlooked. I am looking forward to working with him further next season."

Townsend battled with Day for the start when he first arrived at Rodney Parade, then tussled with Tom King, then resumed his duel with Day after he returned from Cardiff City two years ago.

The pair have enjoyed healthy competition and the Birmingham City academy graduate is happy to sign up for more.

"Everyone seems to be pushing in the right direction, which is what I want to be part of," said the stopper.

"I’ve been here for five seasons now and I’ve seen it all, and it just does feel like a family environment that I feel a part of.

"It’s that family feel, even down to the fans, you can have a chat to them, a proper conversation…I’ve loved every moment of it."

County currently have 14 senior players on the books for next season with Clarke and Townsend joining Day, defenders Declan Drysdale and Harrison Bright, left-back/forward Will Evans, midfielders Harry Charsley, Aaron Wildig, Sam Bowen, James Waite and Josh Edwards and forwards Omar Bogle, Kiban Rai and Offrande Zanzala.