Christian Doidge's groin injury forced Newport County into an early tactical rethink during their 1-0 win over Colchester United. The forward was substituted after just nine minutes, disrupting the team's initial attacking plan.

Yahya Bamba replaced Doidge directly, slotting in on the left wing. Manager Hayden Mullins then moved Shaquille Gwengwe into the central striker role to restore balance to the front line. The reshuffle came during a tight contest where Newport County were looking to extend their unbeaten run.

Despite the early setback, the team found a way through. Matty Jacob intercepted a pass and set up Tanatswa Nyakuhwa, who scored the decisive goal in the 79th minute. The 1-0 victory at Rodney Parade lifted Newport County to 12th in the League Two table with 13 points from their opening 10 games.

The win marks Newport County's seventh consecutive match without defeat in all competitions, a run that includes victories over Grimsby Town and Swindon Town. Jordan Wright kept a clean sheet behind a back four of Ceri Norman, Lee Jenkins, Kyle Cameron, and the assist-provider Matty Jacob. Shaquille Gwengwe had been handed a start in place of Joe Thomas, who picked up a dead leg in the previous Trophy draw with Plymouth Argyle.

Unused substitutes for Newport County included Scott MacDonald, Daniel Sassi, and Aaron Lewis. The team now prepares for a significant test at home to fifth-placed York on 17 October, aiming to extend their positive form. Check the upcoming schedule on our fixtures page.

Further reading: Newport County Vs Colchester

Colchester United boss Danny Cowley said his side were "pretty angry" after the match. Cowley stated that Newport County had learned of injuries to two senior Colchester players before the game. The 1-0 win, sealed by Tanatswa Nyakuhwa's 79th-minute goal, extended Newport County's unbeaten run in all competitions to seven matches. The club sits 12th in League Two with 13 points from 10 games.

Manager Hayden Mullins said his side were pushed all the way by a well-drilled Colchester United. Mullins told Newport County FC that the wind made conditions difficult in the first half. He credited the impact of his substitutes, including Tanatswa Nyakuhwa, who scored the 79th-minute winner. The 1-0 victory extended Newport County's unbeaten run in all competitions to seven matches.