NEWPORT County AFC are in the third round of the Carabao Cup after Scott Twine struck late for a 1-0 win against Cambridge United.
The Exiles upset Swansea in round one and earned a home tie with Watford after finally converting a chance after 80 minutes.
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Here are the talking points from the clash at Rodney Parade…
CUP MAGIC
County have been spoilt in recent seasons with Manchester City, Spurs, Leicester, Leeds and Swansea heading to Rodney Parade.
Had those teams not been welcomed to the city then a draw against Watford, fresh from the Premier League and hunting a swift return, would be one getting fans really excited.
Of course, supporters would no doubt be more up for the cup if they were able to head through the turnstiles.
This knockout run by the Exiles just isn’t the same without the punters – the famous ground would have been rocking for the Welsh win against the Swans.
The County hierarchy will also lament being denied an 8,000 crowd for the derby and a sizeable one versus the Hornets.
Nonetheless, next week is another exciting opportunity for Michael Flynn’s squad to test themselves against top talent.
“We will give it our best shot, it’s always nice to play big teams,” said the manager. “It will be a tough challenge but one that we look forward to.
“We’ve already done it this season by beating a very good Swansea team with a very good performance.”
TERRIFIC TWINE
I felt that Liam Shephard was star man after an impressive performance down the right flank but fellow new boy Scott Twine wasn’t far behind and his winner was a cracker.
The on-loan Swindon forward has a real appetite for work and buzzes around to get involved, finding space and pulling defenders out of position.
Twine has enjoyed a lively start to life as an Exile but he will also know that converting more chances will take his game to the next level.
He has cracked off a number of shots so far this season and missed one golden opportunity, a volley in the middle of the six-yard box, before getting the goal his performance deserved.
DANGEROUS DELIVERY
County have been threatening on both flanks so far this season with Ryan Haynes returning to his early form from 2019/20 and Liam Shephard making an accomplished start to life as an Exile.
The pair are a dream for the forwards with their energy and delivery from the flanks; if they keep making the runs then sooner or later the chances will be converted.
Shephard looks sure to be a real hit after being released by Forest Green while Flynn must be keen to get some stiff competition for Haynes.
He’s the sole player to feature in all four games so far and could do with someone snapping at his heels.
SELECTION HEADACHES
Michael Flynn has plenty of options at the moment but it’s inevitable that a manic schedule means there will be times when his squad is stretched.
He has to enjoy the selection headaches he is experiencing at the moment and a bit of tinkering can help keep his players fit.
There are a handful of especially tough calls.
Does Matty Dolan come back in at the heart of the defence? If he does then who misses out after Brandon Cooper’s accomplished display in between Mickey Demetriou and Kyle Howkins?
Robbie Willmott earned Flynn’s praise for doing the graft that allowed Josh Sheehan to shine, enough to keep out captain Joss Labadie?
Ryan Taylor or Padraig Amond up front with Tristan Abrahams?
Nice problems to have and with Scot Bennett and Kevin Ellison to come in, this is a strong looking squad at the moment.
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