Shaquille Gwengwe has asked Newport County manager Hayden Mullins to deploy him as a striker following his electric start to the League Two season. The 25-year-old has netted four times in three matches, making him the division's joint-top scorer as the Exiles sit 11th with four points from their opening fixtures.
Gwengwe's goals have come from the left wing, a position he has occupied this season despite preferring a central role. He opened his account with a brace in the 2-2 draw with Tranmere Rovers on Saturday, added another in the opening day win against Rochdale, and scored in the 5-3 defeat at Bristol Rovers. His form has been a bright spot for a Newport side that has scored eight goals but conceded seven, leaving them with a plus-one goal difference.
Hayden Mullins has utilised Gwengwe's pace and work rate in a wide role to benefit the team's overall structure. The player has adapted well, but his recent goal surge has come from a striker's instincts. Mullins acknowledged the situation, telling reporters that Gwengwe is doing a job for the team in an area that is not his first position. "Shaq has done really well," Mullins said. "He's getting the rewards from his hard work."
The manager pointed out that Gwengwe's finishes have been typical of a number nine, born from hard work and graft inside the penalty area. His performance against Tranmere, which earned him the man of the match award, showed his effectiveness even from a wide starting point. Mullins added that the player is in real good form at the moment, a statement backed by the numbers.
The forward's request was delivered with a touch of humour after his goalscoring exploits. According to Mullins, Gwengwe approached him following his recent performances. "Jokingly, he just said to me, 'Have I earned a place up front yet?'" Mullins revealed. "I said, 'We could change you, but the goals may dry up, so be careful what you wish for'."
This exchange highlights the positive relationship between player and coach and Gwengwe's confidence following a season where he scored 46 non-league goals. His immediate impact in League Two suggests he has carried that prolific form into the fourth tier. Newport's attack has been potent, and maintaining that threat will be important as they aim to close the three-point gap to leaders Barnet.
Newport County have begun the campaign with a win, a draw, and a loss, collecting four points. Their recent form reads draw-loss-win (DLW), placing them in the middle of the League Two table. The team's next challenge is a trip to face a struggling Salford City side on Tuesday, 1 September, with kick-off at 19:45 BST. Salford are yet to win a point this season, presenting an opportunity for the Exiles to build momentum.
The fixture is part of a busy period, and fans can check the full schedule on our fixtures page. Mullins will have to decide whether to grant Gwengwe's wish and shift him centrally or maintain the system that has brought goals from the wing. Either way, the manager has a player brimming with confidence. The team travels to Salford looking for a second league victory of the season.
