Mullins praises Newport’s patient players after dominant Trophy win

Hayden Mullins said Newport County’s players who had waited for minutes strengthened the case for selection in a dominant 2-0 EFL Trophy win at Swindon Town.

Ged Garner put Newport ahead after four minutes and Tanatswa Nyakuhwa added the second after 80. API-Football recorded 14 Newport shots, five on target and 11 from inside the box. Swindon had 12 shots but put only one on target.

A selection problem Mullins wanted

Mullins made changes and said it was pleasing to see the group come together. He praised the pace, energy, creativity, athleticism and toughness in the team, and said Newport were close to scoring four or five.

That view was supported by the chances. Newport hit the post twice and missed a penalty before Nyakuhwa made the result safe. Nyakuhwa finished with a goal and an assist and received the game’s highest API-Football rating, 8.24.

Clean sheet adds competition

Jake Turner marked his first start with a clean sheet and one save. Mullins said the performance added healthy competition in goal, while a young right-back also made his competitive debut and did not look out of place.

The result was Newport’s first away win of the season. The immediate question is how many of the players trusted with this cup tie have earned a place in the next league team.