Newport County to host Chelsea under-21s and Plymouth Argyle

County will travel to the County Ground to take on League Two rivals Swindon Town in their first match on Tuesday, September 11 (kick-off 7.45pm).

The Exiles then welcome Chelsea under-21s to Rodney Parade on Tuesday, September 25 (kick-off 7.45pm).

And Michael Flynn’s men conclude their group games at home to League One Plymouth Argyle on Tuesday, November 13 (kick-off 7.45pm).

Group C in the southern section of the competition got under way last night as Swindon were beaten 4-0 at home by the Chelsea youngsters.

Robins manager Phil Brown conceded his side were schooled by Blues kids at the County Ground.

Former Exiles loan star Sid Nelson featured for Swindon for the first time as Brown rotated his squad.

There were seven changes in total from their opening League Two win at home to Macclesfield Town.

Post-match Brown admitted his side were simply not good enough against the Premier League youngsters.

“I thought it was a lesson in football, if the truth be known,” he told the Swindon Advertiser.

“Many times, I have said that the surface we play on is going to test us and certainly we can play. We did on Saturday, but we didn’t tonight.

“We had to defend in numbers tonight and be resolute. Then all of a sudden, we commit the cardinal sin and gave the ball away.

“In the hard yards we do in pre-season, we work on shape and things like that, but when you have the ball, you have got to enjoy the ball and Chelsea certainly enjoyed the ball.

“They showed us how to play tonight. They were the better team, I’m not going to pull any punches.

“They had some very good players. Their motivation was to play in a Football League stadium against a League team and they showed a whole host of scouts and managers what they’re capable of.

“Tonight, we didn’t play well enough.”

The former Hull City boss says the team selection had little impact on the final result as he attempted to rest players for this weekend clash against Lincoln City.

However, Brown says the club’s younger players will have benefitted from their Trophy outing.

“Hopefully, we have learned something tonight. The young lads will have, the likes of Sol Pryce – he came on and did very well,” he added.

“Joe Romanski was probably deservedly our man of the match. Scott Twine and Ellis Iandolo too, they all need to learn very quickly.

“The game is not about fancy control, it is about passing the ball, and if you work hard to get it back, it is important you don’t give it away.”