Newport County secured a 2-0 victory over Swindon Town in their EFL Trophy Group South match on Tuesday. The win provides a positive result for a side sitting 19th in League Two with six points from seven games.
Gerard Garner opened the scoring after just four minutes, finishing an assist from Tanatswa Nyakuhwa. Garner had a chance to double the lead from the penalty spot in the 17th minute but saw his effort saved. Newport County manager H. Mullins made his first change on the hour mark, bringing on M. Dibley-Dias for Harrison Pugh.
The decisive second goal arrived with ten minutes remaining. This time Nyakuhwa turned scorer, converting a pass from Yahya Bamba to seal the three points. Mullins then made a flurry of late substitutions, including introducing Shaquille Gwengwe for the goalscorer Garner.
Swindon Town, managed by Ian Holloway, enjoyed 60% of possession but created only one shot on target. Their frustrations showed with second-half yellow cards for Dan Butler and James Debayo. Newport County's defence, marshalled by Joe Thomas and D. Sassi, held firm for a clean sheet, with goalkeeper J. Turner making one save.
The result is a welcome one for County, whose recent form in League Two reads one win, two draws and two losses from their last five outings. They now turn their focus back to the league and a home fixture against third-placed Grimsby Town this Saturday.
Manager Hayden Mullins confirmed on September 25 that he will rotate his squad for the upcoming EFL Trophy group match. "The squad's there and we will use it," Mullins said. The manager noted that summer signings provide options, but international call-ups for Shaquille Gwengwe and Tanatswa Nyakuhwa could limit availability. Mullins indicated Jed Garner, Yahya Bamba, Matt Smith, Cameron Evans, Harri Pugh and Dan Sassi are all in contention for starts. Newport, who are 19th in League Two, host third-placed Grimsby Town on September 26.
