TWO second-half goals from Otis Khan and a first-half poacher's strike from Tyler Walker condemned Newport County AFC to a comprehensive defeat at Mansfield Town on Saturday. Here are the talking points...

Mansfield look like the real deal

It was always going to be a tough place for the Exiles to start the season and the early signs are that Mansfield will take some beating at the top of the table.

County started brightly and could and probably should have had a couple of goals late on but the Stags could have had more than the three they got and they look genuine promotion candidates.

Michael Flynn’s men can console themselves with the thought that, unless they are unlucky in the cup draws, they won’t have to go to Field Mill again for a good while and at least it wasn’t 5-0 this time.

Fraser Franks looks like a quality addition

The County defence endured a difficult afternoon against a potent home attack with Tyler Forbes and Dan Butler struggling to cope with pacey wide players running at them but Fraser Franks stood out with an impressive display.

Playing in a back four alongside Mickey Demetriou he was aggressive and commanding for the most part and he looks as if he’s been part of this side for years rather than weeks.

It’s early days but, while he’s unlikely to have the impact of Ben White last season, the 27-year-old may well prove to be an astute signing by the manager.

Antoine Semenyo made a big impact from the bench

While the more experienced Jamille Matt and Keanu Marsh-Brown flattered to deceive up front alongside Padraig Amond, teenager Semenyo caught the eye with a great cameo off the bench.

The 18-year-old Bristol City striker hinted in pre-season that he preferred to play with a target man but he linked up brilliantly with Amond in the final half-hour.

He released the Irishman through the middle and then won the ball on the left before crossing for Amond to set up Josh Sheehan. Both moves could and probably should have led to goals.

South Wales Argus:

New keeper should provide Joe Day with genuine competition

The big news in the build-up to Saturday’s match was the last-minute signing of goalkeeper Nick Townsend (above).

The deal was done before Friday’s midday deadline, allowing him to take his place on the bench at Field Mill, but confirmation of that clearance did not come through until five hours before kick-off.

The former Birmingham City and Barnsley stopper has been signed on a two-year contract and that fact, plus his track record and age, suggest that he will be a viable alternative to established number one Day.

Positive performance and at least a point needed against Crewe

Plenty of sides will come away from the One Call Stadium empty handed this season and it’s ridiculously early to be talking about pressure but County will be desperate to put on a good show in their first home match next Saturday.

An opening day defeat inevitably leads to a dampening of expectations and a second reverse will only add to the doom and gloom already evident in some quarters so it’s important to at least get a point on the board against Crewe.

The Railwaymen will be full of confidence after hitting Morecambe for six yesterday but that result may well tell us more about the Shrimps’ frailties than Crewe’s strengths.