David Hughes admitted he was “angry and disappointed” after Newport County slipped to a late 2-1 defeat against Arsenal Under-21s in the EFL Trophy.
The Exiles were undone by a late goal at Rodney Parade, extending a miserable run of eight losses in nine matches and leaving their manager under growing scrutiny.
County Let Lead Slip
Ben Lloyd’s strike inside two minutes gave County the perfect start, but it set the tone for a frustrating evening in which Hughes’ side failed to build on their advantage. Arsenal’s youngsters dominated possession, with Exiles goalkeeper Jordan Wright producing a string of excellent saves, including one from the penalty spot, to keep the visitors at bay.
However, Wright was beaten from 12 yards soon after when Andre Harriman-Joseph converted his second penalty of the night, before Charles Sagoe Jr pounced on a late corner to seal the game in the 89th minute. It was a cruel blow for County, who once again struggled to manage key moments.
Manager’s Frustration Clear
Hughes, who made seven changes following the weekend defeat to Gillingham, admitted those handed opportunities failed to deliver.
“Disappointed would be an understatement. It’s fair to say I’m angry and disappointed. It’s the story of the season; individual mistakes, errors, decision-making, over-committing in key moments,” he told the press afterwards.
He highlighted both penalties and the late corner as examples of poor judgment, with County turning an attacking situation into conceding a decisive set-piece. Hughes also acknowledged that rotation had left him with little to show for the gamble, insisting that too many players fell short of expectations.
Backed By Chairman, But Results Needed
Despite the poor run, Hughes revealed he retains the support of chairman Huw Jenkins, though he conceded the results must improve quickly with County sitting 22nd in League Two.
“The record is what it is and it’s not good enough. We need a win. We can’t keep losing games. The supporters will be as frustrated as we are, as the players are,” he said.
Hughes pointed to a stronger display against Gillingham as evidence that progress can be made, but admitted that Tuesday night’s performance fell well below the standards expected. With the Exiles desperate to climb out of the relegation zone, their manager knows patience will not last indefinitely.
Writer’s View
This latest defeat underlines just how fragile Newport County’s situation has become. Early leads continue to be squandered and the side look short of confidence when protecting results. Hughes insists he has the chairman’s backing, but with League Two survival the clear priority, the coming weeks will be decisive.
Performances must match the manager’s words, or the Exiles’ campaign risks unravelling long before winter arrives.
