Hero Kavanagh nearly missed Newport County's clash with Swindon

The Exiles beat the League Two promotion hopefuls 2-1 at Rodney Parade thanks to goals by Cameron Norman and Kavanagh, who came off the bench for a debut after signing on loan from Middlesbrough.

The 19-year-old forward made an immediate impact but almost had to watch from the stands after waiting for international clearance and then the green light from the EFL.

“He wasn’t happy that he didn’t start but we were very close to losing Kav before kick-off because of paperwork,” revealed manager Graham Coughlan.

“We didn’t know until the last minute whether we could use him but he picked up his goal and that is what he does, he run in behind and plays on the shoulder.

“It’s refreshing to see because a lot of young lads now want the ball into feet and to play in pockets.

“It’s great to see a good old-fashioned centre forward who wants to run in behind, run the channels and stretch the game to give our midfield more space to play in.”

County were helped on their way by Swindon’s Rushian Hepburn-Murphy being sent off in the 15th minute for pushing Norman in the face.

Referee Neil Hair was left with no choice but to show red but the Robins midfielder had an unlikely ally in Coughlan.

OFF: Rushian Hepburn-Murphy (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

“I’ve played in many derbies, notably the Sheffield derby, and you have to be cool, calm and composed. You have to think clearly under pressure, lose your head and you’re gone,” said the former centre-back.

“I personally wouldn’t have sent the lad off for that. Yes, the letter of the law he raised his hands but he is a young lad and sometimes they do daft things.

“Hopefully he learns from it and doesn’t beat himself up about it, because he won’t be the first or last to do that.

“The occasion possibly got to him and it will be a big learning curve for him, but the game has gone when you are sending people off for that.

“He didn’t chuck a punch. Yes, he raised his hands and pushed him but I’m not sure he should’ve been sent off.

“I would have been disappointed if one of my players was sent off for that. If he smashes someone then throw the book at him but I’m not sure players should be sent off for a push.”

County ended a six-game winless streak despite allowing Tomi Adeloye to make it a nervy finish with a goal in added time.

“It was coming. We have been very good over my tenure and put in a similar performance against Leyton Orient but we didn’t get the victory that we deserved,” said Coughlan.

“The boys are capable of big performances, it’s just about continuity and consistency. The teams that find that in League Two normally end up at the top of the table.

“With that work rate and attitude, they are a force to be reckoned with and I am really proud of them.”

Coughlan has largely stuck with a settled XI since taking over in mid-October but made six changes to the side beaten at Carlisle on January 14.

“I picked on training. I picked on what I was seeing with the naked eye, not on stats or previous games,” said the manager.

“We had a game time, picked a team accordingly and they caused Swindon problems. I thought we won the game in the first 10 to 15 minutes with how we came out of the traps.

“We got into tackles, won first contacts and second balls, while we played a little bit as well.

“I just hope that the players don’t rest on their laurels and think they have cracked it because football can slap you between the chops. I want them to build on it.”