PROGRESS in the Checkatrade Trophy came at a cost for Newport County AFC with key man Scot Bennett suffering a recurrence of the hamstring injury he picked up against Morecambe last month.

Bennett, who has played a big part for the Exiles in defence and midfield so far this season, missed the League Two defeat at Carlisle United and was an unused substitute for the FA Cup win at Metropolitan Police.

He trained on Monday and was deemed fit enough to start in last night’s Checkatrade Trophy tie against Plymouth Argyle at Rodney Parade.

County won 2-0 thanks to goals from Antoine Semenyo and Mark Harris to seal their place in Friday’s second-round draw but Bennett limped off after just 29 minutes.

And assistant manager Wayne Hatswell fears that the 27-year-old could be set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

“We’ve got quite a few people in the treatment room and we’ve had a big blow with Benno coming off after half an hour, which has dampened the night,” said Hatswell.

“I think it’s a serious one and maybe he’s just tried to come back too soon. It looks like it’s the same hamstring injury.

“Up until then I thought he was back to his best and we’re going to miss him. I just hope it’s not for too long.

“He’s down in the dumps but he’s a man and he’ll come back stronger.

“We’ll assess it and hopefully it’s not as bad it looks but we’ve got people coming back now who can step into his place.

“Midfield places are up for grabs now,” he added. “It gave Charlie Cooper a chance. He'd been ill most of the week but he came on and did quite well.”

Cooper will be in contention for Saturday’s League Two clash with third-placed Colchester United at Rodney Parade and full-backs Tyler Forbes and Cameron Pring could also return but Joss Labadie and Andrew Crofts are not yet ready to play.

“Saturday is way too soon for Joss,” said Hatswell. “I wouldn’t want to put a marker down for him. We need to treat him with kid gloves but he’s one who is chomping at the bit.

“We want to give him the best opportunity without rushing him back.

“It’s too soon for Crofty as well but both are coming back into the fray and training with us, which is a positive.

“Hopefully we can give them some game-time soon and it might be a good marker for them [to play in] the next round [of the Checkatrade Trophy].

“We’ll have to see how the next few weeks go.”

Academy players Jay Foulston and Lewis Collins will also miss Saturday’s match as they are on international duty with Wales under-19s.

And winger Keanu Marsh-Brown is also unavailable after being called up to the Guyana national team for their Concacaf Nations League meeting with French Guiana next Tuesday.