MARTIN Paul staked a claim for a regular striking slot after taking a leading role in Newport County's FA Cup second qualifying round replay win over Swindon Supermarine at Spytty Park last night.

Paul scored twice and might have completed a hat-trick but despite the margin of victory, County were not too convincing at times against a team propping up a division below the Dr Martens League.

County are now away on October 13 to either Andover or Bashley who replay tonight after a 1-1 draw on Saturday.

Paul's smart finishing lifted the game, particularly his second goal which displayed clinical finishing in the 40th minute, firing past Elliott Jackson from a chance created by Gary Shephard (pictured).

But it was Jackson, stepping in for Paul Haines, star of the drawn game on Saturday, who gifted County their opening goal after 17 minutes. Haines was unable to play as his wife went into labour hours before the game.

Shephard struck an innocuous right cross and Jackson fumbled the ball at the near post, eventually dropping it over the line.

It was an unexpected gift for County, who briefly threatened to runaway with the game as Jeff Eckhardt, switching back to central defence, headed over the bar and Shephard was close to making life easier for County.

County moved into a comfortable two-goal lead in the 34th minute and once again Shephard, linking well with Paul for much of the game, had a hand in the goal. His shot was partially blocked by Peter Farrow and the ball fell to Paul, who steered a shot wide of Jackson.

In a hectic conclusion to the first half Supermarine, with Steve Toomey operating as a lone striker, pulled a goal back five minutes later.

County's defence was caught wide open and from Paul Donnelly's left cross, Toomey side-footed into an empty net.

However, County's front combination proved too much for Supermarine, Shephard once again the supplier for Paul to finish off in clinical fashion.

But it wasn't all plain sailing for County as a double Supermarine substitution almost brought a second goal. Eurshall Fearon went on and within a minute suffered the miss of the match. He latched on to a poor Mountain kick but hit a post with his shot and Toomey fired over the bar with the second effort.

The second half was much more enterprising and Paul was close to completing a hat-trick in the 64th minute.

It was an improvement on Saturday's dismal display and with their share of gate receipts, together with the £7,500 FA prize money for the win, County will collected around £10,000.

Manager Tim Harris declared: "The bottom line is that we are through to the next round. We had a little bit of luck with Shephard's goal. We varied things much more, but we're still not killing teams off."

A win in the third qualifying round would earn County £10,000.