Newport County will look to the EFL Trophy for respite as their League Two struggles continue to deepen.
The Exiles, who have lost six of their last seven league matches, face Arsenal Under-21s at Rodney Parade tonight. The tie offers a chance to reset, with head coach Dave Hughes eager to use the competition as a platform for recovery after a difficult start to life in charge.
Hughes Calls for Unity
Hughes, who oversaw a major summer rebuild with 11 signings, has urged patience as his youthful squad adapts to the demands of senior football. His side are currently 22nd in the League Two table, with home defeats against Bristol Rovers (3-2) and Gillingham (3-1) sandwiching their only point on the road since the opening day.
“We’ll respect the threats that Arsenal pose, but we’ll prepare a team to try to win the game,” he said. “We’ve got 19 fit professionals at the moment, so we have to manage individuals carefully. Both tonight and Saturday’s trip to Chesterfield are important games.”
Midfielder Kai Whitmore faces a late fitness test, while Hughes has not ruled out further rotation as he tries to balance league survival with progress in the Trophy.
“Whatever happens, we’ll give it our best go and make sure we’re ready,” he added.
Blake Sounds Alarm
Despite Hughes’ optimism, former striker Nathan Blake has voiced concern that County are no stronger than when chairman Huw Jenkins arrived two years ago.
“Newport aren’t as good as they were two years ago, definitely not,” Blake told BBC Wales.
He criticised the lack of experience in the squad, warning: “Most people are saying they just hope there are two worse teams than Newport for them to survive.”
The ex-Wales international argued that while clubs such as Cardiff City can afford to lean on youth, Newport’s recruits are struggling to cope with League Two’s physical demands.
“They’re not as good as many of the teams, and I don’t think their inexperienced players have been able to handle it,” he added.
Writer’s View
Tonight’s Trophy fixture comes at a critical juncture. For Hughes, it represents an opportunity to instil belief in a squad still searching for its identity. However, Blake’s concerns reflect the anxiety among supporters who fear another relegation fight.
A strong performance against Arsenal’s youngsters could ease the tension and inject some much-needed momentum, but the Exiles’ long-term fortunes will be defined by what happens back in League Two. Until results improve, survival will remain the overriding priority at Rodney Parade.
