CAPTAIN Joss Labadie knows it's early days in the League Two season but believes Newport County AFC have added an extra dimension to show they can "mix it with the toughest", writes Chris Kirwan.

The Exiles travel to Bradford City on Saturday sitting second in the table, level on points with leaders Cambridge.

After being edged out by the pace-setters in torrential rain at the Abbey Stadium, County have won back-to-back games 1-0.

They won against Tranmere at Rodney Parade thanks to a Saikou Janneh strike and then repeated the trick at Stevenage Borough on Tuesday thanks to Tristan Abrahams' penalty.

The Exiles may not have been at their flowing best but were organised and disciplined.

"Stevenage is a tough place to go, they have got some decent players and are experienced," said midfielder Labadie.

"But we are showing at the moment that we can mix it with the toughest of opponents. That's what we did for a great away win and three points on the road.

"Bradford is another tough one – there are no easy games in this league – but it's another one where we are confident we can get something.

"We have to make sure we are switched on and are solid as a unit like we have been, while we will continue with our philosophy of playing the right way."

South Wales Argus:

With Labadie's midfield partners Josh Sheehan and Scott Twine pulling the strings, the skipper believes County can thrive with the ball on the deck.

"We've have added another dimension to our game this year. Last season we were a bit more direct and maybe a bit predictable at times," he said.

"Now teams are starting to take us seriously and from the kick-off at Stevenage they started off with a high press, putting three up against our three.

"That made it hard for us to play out of defence but we coped, adapted and came away with the three points."

County are second but manager Flynn has warned it is far, far too early to talk about a promotion push, with Labadie pleased Exiles feet are on the ground.

"That's exactly the way it should be, we are only seven games in," he said. "We have done well up to now but haven't achieved anything yet, we just have to keep ploughing away and getting points on the board.

"We have a really strong squad, we are able to rotate and whoever comes in is able to adapt and do a job.

"The manager will have no problem doing that, and it keeps everyone on their toes as well."