NEWPORT County AFC's Matty Dolan has spoken of how he was "over the moon" to get back out on the pitch against Swansea City at the weekend.

The Carabao Cup clash was the Exiles' first competitive fixture since the League 2 season was curtailed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent lockdown.

"Everyone was excited, it’s been a long time off," he said.

"It’s been a pleasure to get back out on a pitch. I was over the moon with it.

"We kept ourselves nice and fit, so we had that to keep us going.

"We’ve just got to get on with our jobs as best we can now."

County caused yet another cup upset on Saturday, securing a 2-0 victory over the Swans at Rodney Parade.

Dolan, who adopted a deeper role than the County faithful will have been used to, said that, while it was a positive experience, the hard work started now.

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"I enjoyed it, I’d worked on the new role in pre-season a bit," he said.

"Obviously playing out a bit more, I’m comfortable with it.

"Your game will change when you’re playing against a top championship side. You might need a different style of play to what we might encounter in League 2.

"I’m looking forward to playing wherever the gaffer wants me to play.

"On Saturday it was enjoyable; and I want to stay in the team and progress."

Coming back into the side in a new position was just one of the things being worked during the off season according to Dolan, who said that his teammates had made the most of their time off.

"You need to allow yourselves that break from football," he said.

"It was a bit longer than anticipated, but I certainly enjoyed a bit of family time. I was ready a raring to go when I was brought back.

"There was a bit of competition going on on the Strava running. I don’t think anyone beat Podge (Amond). He was throwing in some crazy times.

"There was a lot of fitness stuff going on. Some of the lads managed to get out on the bikes, we had a cycle club going on.

"It was strange but everyone dealt with it so well.

"We’re only going to get fitter now."

One player who has not been short of fitness since joining his Exiles teammates for training is 41-year-old Kevin Ellison.

The new County signing has been impressing since signing last week.

"He’s a fantastic professional," said Dolan.

"He’s a credit to himself and an inspiration to anyone looking to have a career in football.

"If you look at his record it speaks for itself."

Looking ahead to County's EFL Trophy clash with fellow League 2 side Cheltenham Town, Dolan was realistic.

"When you’re playing against a top championship side, you’re prepared to have a lot less of the football," he said.

"We’re kind of getting back to the grind now.

"With the squad we’ve got, you’ll be looking at some players that weren’t playing on Saturday. It’s important for them to get minutes in their legs.

"It’ll be a more realistic test.

"You can only beat what’s put out in front of you.

"You’ll adapt to the situation.

"There isn’t an easy game of football ever."