Swindon Town are defeated in South Wales.
Swindon fell to their first defeat under interim manager Gavin Gunning after an unfortunate defeat to Newport County.
It was Swindon that would feel hard done by in the first half with plenty of chances falling to the men in Red but unfortunately for them would see both teams go into the half goalless.
However, a quick start from Town, with a Paul Glatzel goal, would be all cancelled out by quick succession goals from Will Evans and Seb Palmer-Houlden.
Gunning made four changes to his side to the side which faced Bradford City last time out in the league, with all four of Town’s latest signings: Zach Elbouzedi, Harry McKirdy, Aaron Drinan, and Sean McGurk making the bench.
It was an early chance for Swindon Town, as Williams Kokolo won a freekick in a dangerous position and it was Dawson Devoy who tried a clever free-kick that deceived everyone and unfortunately came back off the near post.
Moments later another good move from Swindon saw Paul Glatzel able to shoot in the Newport penalty area, but it was unfortunately blocked as Jake Cain’s effort shortly after was gathered by Nick Townsend.
Dawson Devoy was the next to shoot for Swindon, but after another neat move, he couldn’t wrap his foot around the ball enough and his effort went out for a goal kick.
It was Newport who would try to strike next with Palmer-Houlden, as he found his way through the Swindon Town defence and tried to direct a shot goalward but a brilliant save from Town number one Jack Bycroft prevented anything from happening.
Half Time: Newport County 0-0 Swindon Town
A very quick start in the second when Swindon took a quick lead, as the ball was played over the top to allow Glatzel to charge through on goal and calmly slot the ball past the onrushing Nick Townsend.
It wouldn’t be long after until Newport County equalised as their top goal scorer Evans got a clever touch onto a wicked cross from the left and beat Bycroft at his front post.
Substitute and new signing Elbouzedi used his pace on the right-hand side before he cut the ball back for Glatzel but his volley effort was cleared comfortably off the line by Matt Baker.
Town were quick with their chances, with Rushian Hepburn Murphy who drove forward from the halfway line to try his luck from long-range, but it bounced just in front of County’s keeper to go wide.
With 20 minutes left to play, Newport took the lead after a poor clearance from Town’s defence which allowed Newport to play Palmer-Houlden in behind and slotted the ball beyond Bycroft.
Again, it would be Elbouzedi who would use his pace and cut the ball back for McGurk who took a touch which sent his effort just wide off the near post.
In additional time, Swindon found themselves in a good position to get the late equaliser, with debutant McKirdy driving forward and shot from a distance but his effort bounced back off the near post.
Following this defeat in South Wales, Swindon Town look to get back to winning ways as they face Salford City next weekend at The County Ground.
Newport County: Townsend, Lewis (Payne 84’), Delaney (C), Clarke, Evans, Morris, Bennet (Charlsey 45’), McLoughlin, Wildig (Jephcott 84’), Baker, Palmer-Houlden (Zanzala 84’)
Subs not used: Maxted, Waiste, Jameson
Swindon Town: Bycroft, Blake-Tracey, Khan, Glatzel (McKirdy 68’), Hepburn-Murphy (Drinan 75’), Cain (Elbouzedi 54’), Kokolo (Brewitt 54’), Devoy, Godwin-Malife, McCarthy, Austin (C) (McGurk 68’)
Subs not used: Drinan, Brann, Minturn
Referee: Matt Corlett
Attendance: 5,912
