NEWPORT County AFC got back to winning ways with a 2-0 triumph at Cheltenham Town in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday.
Graham Coughlan named a strong Exiles side for the much-maligned tournament and got the reaction he wanted after last weekend’s defeat to Harrogate.
The Exiles hit the front through Nathan Wood in the 26th minute, his first for the club on his first start, and then doubled their advantage with a Will Evans cracker with 52 minutes on the clock.
County held firm for their third clean sheet of the campaign to enjoy a morale-booster ahead of the short trip to Swindon.
Here are some talking points…
NUDGE TO THE GAFFER
County’s injury list meant there wasn’t really the opportunity for Coughlan to ring the changes in between the League Two games with Harrogate and Swindon.
The Exiles are down to the bare bones and that meant it was a case of tinkering with the first team rather than giving seniors the night off.
County have been consistent with this policy in recent years; the EFL Trophy has been used for those that are ready for League Two rather than gifting appearances to academy prospects.
The club currently has a gap between the under-18s and Coughlan’s squad with no players in that 18/19-year-old bracket that was previously filled by the likes of Joe Woodiwiss, Lewys Twamley, Ryan Hillier.
It can be damaging to put a raw young lad in ahead of time and the talented prospects on the books must keep rising and earn a shot, as Corey Evans has as an unused substitute of late.
Instead of flooding the squad with GCSE students, Coughlan used the short trip to Cheltenham as an opportunity to develop a few more selection headaches for League Two.
While he got what he wanted, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Saturday’s team is very similar to the one that lined up against Harrogate last weekend.
Those that needed to respond to an under-par performance did.
However, the ‘subs’ aren’t just pushing for starts but for longer shifts off the bench and Rai and Wood did their chances the power of good.
PAYNE IN THE SIDE
Lewis Payne is still learning the ropes and getting used to the physical demands of the hectic schedule in League Two but this was an impressive performance by the Southampton loanee.
The 19-year-old is putting serious heat on Shane McLouglin for the right-back berth – and this display may lead to the versatility of the Irishman, who mirrored his compatriot Denis Irwin as a right-footed left-back, being utilised.
Payne put in some hefty challenges – with one crunching tackle shortly after Evans’ goal getting emphatic applause from Coughlan in the technical area – and has frequently shown his comfort on the ball.
The Saints prospect could grow in importance to this County side and the potential loss of Aaron Wildig means it’s possible to fit both Payne and McLoughlin in the side at Swindon, with the former moving into midfield where he scored a cracker against Barrow last month.
SEBERRY MAKING STRIDES
As harsh as it sounds, hopefully Josh Seberry will be out of the side soon despite some encouraging performances.
County need some experience for League Two and could do with the Irish novice returning to the bench or stands where he was meant to be while learning the ropes.
The 19-year-old clearly has potential and his growth since Undy in pre-season has been remarkable – he was a talented swimmer in his youth and has done well since being chucked in at the deep end.
Seberry produced a game-changing block at 1-0 when Aidan Keena rounded Jonny Maxted but was denied by the covering central defender.
County then earned a buffer through Evans but still had to finish the job and claim a third clean sheet of the campaign.
They did that and Seberry showed some edge that Coughlan, a former centre-back himself, will have loved.
Cheltenham substitute Will Goodwin, only 21 himself, was trying to rough up the Irish teenager in the closing stages but the County man kept his cool.
Next aerial duel, Seberry powered away the header and gave a little shove in the striker’s back for good measure.
There were some handbags at the final whistle with ‘keeper Jonny Maxted ushering away the defender, who has the physical attributes to thrive as a Football League player.
This injury crisis is providing Seberry with invaluable learning experiences and he is soaking it all in. He has made mistakes – and free-scoring Swindon will be a huge challenge – but he is learning fast.
TOUGHER TEST
County needed a lift after Harrogate but will know that they face a serious challenge when taking on more Robins on Saturday.
Michael Flynn rested his seniors in Swindon’s 5-0 EFL Trophy loss at Reading and will be keen to get an encouraging start to the campaign back on track after defeats to leaders Notts County and Bradford.
The Exiles kept a clean sheet on Tuesday but will be stressed by a side who are League Two leaders for goals per match and big chances created.
If County allow balls to be pinged into their cross as Cheltenham did in the opening exchanges then the chances are that Charlie Austin will tuck them away.
Tuesday's Robins have failed to score in 13 of 15 fixtures but Saturday's Robins are potent.
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