Newport County

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Newport County winger Tanatswa Nyakuhwa has drawn praise after his impressive performance during their EFL Trophy win over Swindon.

The Welsh U21 international made his first start for the Exiles against the Robins and grabbed a goal and an assist, alongside winning a penalty during the 2-0 win.

Nyakuhwa, who struggled for minutes during his loan spell at County last season, has drawn praise from County boss Hayden Mullins for his efforts so far this season.

"His character, firstly, has impressed me. He's a really upbeat character, a positive lad. He wants the ball, wants to train well, wants to train hard," he said.

"For me, he's been spot on. He hasn't started many games, that was his first start on Tuesday. We've had to build him up.

"He's had a bit of a stop-start pre-season. But we know his talents, obviously, from being here before."

The Cardiff City loanee would have been eyeing up his first league start for the Exiles on Saturday, but he has once again been selected for Wales U21's for their upcoming European Championship qualifiers.

The Exiles welcome 3rd place Grimsby to Rodney Parade as they bid to continue their unbeaten record at home this season.

Boss Mullins expressed his frustration at losing the winger for the international break after his positive performance.

"Tanatswa (Nyakuhwa), for me, he was a constant bright spark. He looked a threat, looked assured. He went for 90 minutes as well, which was good," he said.

"It's just frustrating that he can't build on it again this weekend and the weekend after and we lose him for a little bit. We just hope he comes back in a good place."

Newport County winger Tanatswa Nyakuhwa has drawn praise after his impressive performance during their EFL Trophy win over Swindon.

The Welsh under-21 international made his first start for the Exiles against the Robins and grabbed a goal, assist and won a penalty in the 2-0 win.

And that was enough to earn high praise from manager Hayden Mullins.

"His character has impressed me. He's really an upbeat, positive lad. He wants the ball, wants to train well," he said.

"He hasn't started many games and we've had to build him up. He's had a bit of a stop-start pre-season but we know his talents.

The Cardiff City loanee, who struggled for minutes in his first spell at Newport last season, would have been eyeing up his first league start for the Exiles on Saturday, but has once been selected for Wales under-21's for their upcoming European Championship qualifiers.

Newport welcome third place Grimsby to Rodney Parade as they bid to continue their unbeaten home record this season.

"Tanatswa was a constant bright spark. He looked a threat, looked assured and went for 90 minutes as well," he said.

"It's just frustrating that he can't build on it again this weekend and the weekend after. We just hope he comes back in a good place."

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Shaquille Gwengwe will be available for Newport County's upcoming League Two games with Grimsby and Gillingham after pulling out of the Malawi squad.

The forward received his first international call-up for Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against South Sudan and Angola.

That would have led to the summer signing from Poole missing the games against the Mariners and Gills along with the Football League Trophy fixture against Plymouth.

But Gwengwe, who has featured in all seven league games so far, has opted to stay in Wales.

"Following discussions with the Football Association of Malawi, Shaquille has made the difficult decision not to join the squad on this occasion due to the circumstances surrounding this particular window," read a Newport statement.

"Shaquille, who has scored four goals for the Exiles since his arrival from Poole Town this summer, is extremely proud to have been selected for the Malawi national team and remains fully committed to representing his country in the future."

Gwengwe came off the bench in Tuesday's Football League Trophy win at Swindon.

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Manager Hayden Mullins hopes Newport County can build on their away form in League Two after recent encouraging results.

County remain unbeaten at home this season, but their first away point of 2026-27 came in Saturday's 0-0 draw at Accrington Stanley.

Mullins was encouraged by his side'sperformance and hopes they will become stronger on the road.

"The positives for us were definitely the first point away from home. We want to be a strong team like this away from home because we know there's a lot of games and the season's a long one," Mullins said.

"It's important that we're ready and we're right for them. We played in a different shape [against Accrington], which we were happy with. It's the first time we've played that shape.

"We look solid in there, but it's just trying to add that sprinkling of creativity and to create a few more openings for us."

After Saturday's draw at Accrington, the Exiles travelled to face Swindon Town in Tuesday's EFL Trophy opener.

Cardiff City loanee Tanatswa Nyakuhwa grabbed a goal and an assist to help Newport on their way to an impressive 2-0 win, which delighted Mullins.

Mullins told the Newport County website: "I think it was a game which we were really dominant in. I'm really pleased with the clean sheet, but just a little bit of frustration that we didn't add more.

"But for the group of lads who have had to be patient, to give them 90 minutes and minutes on the pitch, it was really pleasing to see the group come together and put on that performance.

"It was one which had pace, energy, creativity and athleticism, and we were tough. We blocked numerous shots and were really tight and compact as a unit."

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Newport County kicked off their EFL Trophy campaign with a 2-0 win at Swindon Town on Tuesday.

Tanatswa Nyakuhwa's assist set up Ged Garner for the visitors' opener against their League Two rivals. Garner also saw home goalkeeper Lewis Ward deny him from the penalty spot in the 17th minute.

Wales Under-21s squad member Nyakuhwa, on loan from Cardiff City, improved on that in the 80th minute as he sealed victory for Hayden Mullins' side.

The Newport boss delved into his wider squad for the Southern Group E encounter as a sign of how he will manage resources with league and FA Cup commitments to navigate.

The approach paid off as Newport ended a five-match winless run to condemn the Robins to a fourth successive game without victory.

The Exiles return to league action when they host unbeaten Grimsby Town on Saturday, 26 September (15:00 BST).

Luke Hemmings
BBC Sport Wales

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Manager Hayden Mullins says Newport County will utilise their squad depth in the EFL Trophy when they travel to Swindon Town on Tuesday night (19:00 BST).

With a packed schedule, the former West Ham midfielder is planning to make changes as Newport begin a group-stage campaign that also includes Plymouth Argyle and Crystal Palace Under-21s.

"The squad's there and we will use it," said Mullins.

"We've got a lot of games this side of Christmas with the Vertu [EFL] Trophy and the FA Cup at some point.

"There's a lot of games where we can mix the squad up and give people game time, which is good."

Newport's 15 summer acquisitions have given Mullins plenty of options, although international call-ups could limit some choices.

Shaquille Gwengwe has been called up to the Malawi squad, while Cardiff City loanee Tanatswa Nyakuhwa has been called up by Wales Under-21s - so it remains to be seen if they are available for this evening.

Jed Garner could be handed a rare start after playing just 17 League Two minutes this season, while Yahya Bamba is also in contention after being an unused substitute in Saturday's goalless draw at Accrington Stanley.

In midfield Matt Smith may make his first start of the campaign, while Cameron Evans could return after missing the past two matchday squads.

Youngster Harri Pugh is another pushing for an opportunity after former interim boss Chris Todd said during pre-season that he would "definitely play a part in the squad" this season.

Defender Dan Sassi could make his first competitive start for the club, though fellow youngster Moses Alexander-Walker remains unavailable for selection.

The Exiles will hope to end a five-match winless run and generate momentum before unbeaten Grimsby Town visit south Wales on Saturday 26 September (15:00 BST).

The Robins are also searching for form after three games without a win, including a 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace Under-21s in this competition.

However, Newport will be wary of Aaron Drinan, whose five League Two goals make him Ian Holloway's leading scorer and a potential danger if selected.

Luke Hemmings
BBC Sport Wales

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Despite Newport County's struggles away from home, boss Hayden Mullins believes his side are close to turning encouraging performances into points.

The Exiles travel to Accrington Stanley (15:00 BST) on Saturday 19 September, having taken five points from their opening six League Two matches.

Despite still searching for their first away point of the campaign, Mullins insists Newport have been competitive on the road.

"We're not far away at all from where we need to be," he said.

"I look at the performances away from home and we've been in every game.

"I'm sure if you speak to those managers, they'd say it was a tough afternoon against Newport, so we're not far away."

Newport have lost 11 league matches away from home during 2026, the most of any English Football League side, but Mullins believes there are positive signs beneath the results.

"It's not like we've been pulled apart and ripped open. We've been in every game," he added.

Like Newport, Accrington have also collected five points from their opening six matches and have won once so far this season.

John Doolan's side will pose a threat of their own, particularly through striker Charlie Caton, who has scored six goals already this term and sits among League Two's leading scorers.

And with there not being a draw in the last seven meetings between the sides, Mullins expects a tough test at the Wham Stadium

"They've got good home form, so we expect a really tough game," he said.

"I think they're pretty similar to us. They like the tempo up, the pace of the game up and ask questions of the opposition.

"We've got to be good defensively if we're going to get something out of the game."

Newport have also been handed a boost on the injury front.

Kion Etete is closing in on a return to full training and could soon provide another attacking option, while James Crole has returned to the grass as he continues his recovery.

"Croley is probably another couple of weeks away. He's on the grass and doing unopposed stuff, but it's good to see him back out there," Mullins said.

Midfielder Keenan Patten, who was exempt from Newport's League Two registered squad list, remains unavailable with a longer-term injury.

While ending Newport's wait for away points remains the immediate priority, Mullins is also mindful of the longer-term project taking shape at Rodney Parade.

"The end goal looks a little bit different. I want us to be more expansive in certain areas, but at the moment I have to make us hard to beat and a tough team to play against.

"If we can be safe in this division and as high up the league as possible this year, then I'll be very happy. Hopefully next year it will be closer to where I want my team to be."

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Newport County forward Shaquille Gwengwe has received his first international call-up for Malawi.

The 25-year-old joined the Exiles from Poole Town this summer and has made a strong start to life in the Football League.

He has scored four goals in seven games and his exploits earned him a nomination for the League Two player of the month for August.

Gwengwe, who has played out wide after arriving as a striker, will now aim to take that form on to the international stage with Malawi in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The Flames take on South Sudan on Friday, 25 September and travel to Angola on Tuesday, 6 October.

Gwengwe will miss Newport's League Two fixtures against Grimsby Town and Gillingham plus the Football League Trophy meeting with Plymouth.

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Fleetwood Town manager Matt Lawlor believes Newport County will be "very hard" to beat at Rodney Parade this season.

The Exiles are yet to taste defeat at home during the 2026-27 campaign, having beaten Rochdale and drawn against Tranmere Rovers and Fleetwood.

County have taken the lead in each of their three home games, but were pegged back in the second half as they drew 1-1 with the Cod Army on Saturday.

Lawlor, whose Fleetwood side are yet to lose in League Two, heaped praise on the Exiles and was pleased to earn a point.

"Newport are going to be very hard to beat at Rodney Parade. Very, very hard to beat. They are a physical team, full of running, they are quick," he said.

"Because they put it on you, they are constantly testing you and asking questions of you. I'm glad we came through it.

"Of course, I would have liked three points, but after that second-half performance, I'll take the point."

He added: "I thought Newport had [character] in that first half, and I was really impressed with that from them."

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Newport County boss Hayden Mullins was pleased for Christian Doidge after the striker scored his first Exiles goal in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Fleetwood.

Doidge, one of many summer signings at Rodney Parade, opened his Newport account with a close-range finish, capping off a fine team move.

The 34-year-old's goal followed a big miss in the first half, when he failed to sort his feet quickly enough to convert Harrison Biggins' cross.

And while the former Wales basketball international sent another good chance past the post after the break, Mullins was delighted to see hard-working Doidge get his goal.

"The frustration comes from the chances we created and the pressure we put on them in the first half - and the chances that we didn't take," said the manager.

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"I was really pleased for Christian Doidge to get his goal in the first half. It was a really well-worked goal from us going around the outside.

"He [Doidge] puts in a lot of work for the lads. He has missed the last two games from a knock because he is a bit of a warrior.

"He does work that people don't really see or pick up on - he is the one who usually nods it down for Shaq [Gwengwe] or someone else to finish.

"I'm really pleased for him to score today. Doidgy had another free header in the second half, and had we taken that chance, it would have been more comfortable in the second half."

Doidge's goal midway through the first half was cancelled out by Fleetwood substitute Aaron Loupalo-Bi, who Mullins wanted to sign at Newport.

The 20-year-old striker is on loan from Premier League side Fulham, and played under the County boss in the Cottagers' under-21s side.

Newport boss Hayden Mullins reflects on his side's 1-1 draw with Fleetwood at Rodney Parade.

Eleeza Khan
BBC Sport Wales

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Newport County midfielder Ciaran Brennan expects a "tough" test against Fleetwood Town as the Exiles aim to preserve their unbeaten home record.

Fleetwood arrive in south Wales unbeaten in their opening five League Two matches and buoyed by their 2-0 win over Shrewsbury Town.

While the Cods are bidding for consecutive league wins, Newport will be looking to recover from last Saturday's late 1-0 loss at Northampton Town.

But Brennan believes home advantage could prove decisive for The Exiles.

"At home you can see it, we feed off the fans and the crowd," said Brennan.

After failing to score at Northampton, the Irishman also highlighted the club's need to be more effective at both ends of the pitch.

Newport have had less than 50% possession in five of their six League Two matches this season, and Brennan admits spending long periods without the ball can be demanding.

While boss Hayden Mullins has stressed the importance of making possession count, Brennan feels there are times when County could ease pressure by keeping hold of the ball for longer.

"There's no point in having possession just to pass around the back. Fans don't pay to see that," he added.

"When I was a kid, I didn't want to watch that. You want to see chances, crosses and shots on goal.

"But there are times when we've defended for five or six minutes, won the ball back and then given it away again.

"Whereas if we have a little spell on the ball it doesn't have to be around the back it can be wherever it just relieves pressure."

Brennan has started alongside Cameron Evans in all but one of Newport's games so far this season and feels the pair are building a strong partnership.

"Cameron's a great lad, he's one of my closest pals here so it works really well.

"We're just two honest lads, we'll run and run and run until we can't anymore.

"But we just need to be a bit more patient when we get the ball back. I think there's times where we can't be 100 miles an hour all the time and we can just have a spell on the ball"

Despite three games without a win, Brennan says morale remains high ahead of Newport's return to Rodney Parade.

"We will be looking to get right after them (Fleetwood) as always, get the crowd behind us and, see where it takes us."

Luke Hemmings
BBC Sport Wales

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Newport County winger Tanatswa Nyakuhwa says he has returned to Rodney Parade with unfinished business after rejoining the Exiles on loan from Cardiff City.

The 20-year-old was one of four deadline-day arrivals and is back for a second spell after making seven appearances for Newport last season before an injury brought his campaign to an early end.

Now fit again and back at his home-city club, Nyakuhwa believes supporters have only seen a glimpse of what he can offer.

"I am coming back to finish what I started last season," he said.

"I'm sure the fans would have seen a bit of what I am about, but I know I can do a lot more and bring a lot more to the team."

Last season's stint at Newport gave Nyakuhwa a first taste of senior football.

The Newport-born winger provided two assists in County colours in 2025-26 - but has returned with goals on his mind.

"It's my hometown. I've been waiting for that moment, so hopefully I can get more than just the one goal as well," he said.

Nyakuhwa feels there is a "clean slate" at Newport this season, with the mood around the club significantly different.

Conversations with new boss Hayden Mullins have added to Nyakuhwa's excitement over representing the Exiles.

"He has a clear idea of how he wants to play, how he's going to use me and how he wants the team to play," said Nyakuhwa.

"I'll fight for him as much as I can. The manager's ideas are clear, and I think it gives us all an opportunity to stake a claim to the team and make the shirt yours."

Mullins has been impressed by the attacker's attitude.

"Tan's come in with a big smile on his face. He's a really positive personality and I have seen some good bits from him already," he said.

Having made his first appearance since returning to Newport in the 1-0 defeat at Northampton Town last weekend, Nyakuhwa is now focusing on Saturday's home game against Fleetwood Town.

"I was speaking to my friends and saying the atmosphere at Rodney Parade, you can't replicate it anywhere else," he said.

"I can't wait to play in front of them again."

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Newport County boss Hayden Mullins believes his side deserved a draw during their 1-0 loss at Northampton on Saturday.

The Exiles were beaten when Irish midfielder Joe O'Brien Whitmarsh struck late to break County hearts.

Mullins' side have now lost two games on the spin, but he insists they were unfortunate and let down by mistakes.

"One mistake, we got punished and it's happening a bit at the moment. We were in a little bit of control in the game, the ball comes to us and it's a poor turnover in the middle of the park," said Mullins.

"There's another mistake there somewhere and at the moment we're getting punished. It was a good strike from the guy."

"I just said to the lads 'for everything we put into the game, obviously we didn't deserve to come away with nothing'. They definitely deserved a point at least."

Frustratingly for County, they have suffered defeats in all three of their away league games so far, but Mullins acknowledged the small details that they need to tighten up.

"I don't think the disappointment comes from us getting done by one goal. It's not like we've come away and been absolutely dominated and been opened up," he added.

"Salford was the same where they were a good side, but they beat us by one goal in the end."

He added: "I think it's just us tweaking those bits, which we know we need to work on and we know we can be a little bit tighter on and then hopefully we can address that."

County strengthened on transfer deadline day, bringing four new additions and three of them appeared at Sixfields on Saturday and drew praise from boss Mullins.

"I think Matty (Jacob) offers a good experience in that position. He's level-headed, competes really well. I think he's come off his legs where we're starting to go a little bit on 60 minutes, so we had to get him off," Mullins said.

"Tanatswa (Nyakhuwa) and Michael (Adu Poku) offer us a little bit of pace and athleticism in wide areas, which is good and something that we needed. I think all three came on and added to us."