Paul Cook fell to his first home defeat as Town boss as Newport County beat a much-changed Blues side 1-0 at Portman Road in the first round of the Carabao Cup. Timmy Abraham’s fourth-minute goal was enough to see the Exiles through, however, Town, who ended the game with 10 men after James Norwood suffered a knock with all three subs made, dominated and had more than enough opportunities to win the game.

Centre-half Luke Woolfenden was the only survivor from the XI which started the 2-2 with Morecambe on Saturday.

Tomas Holy was in goal with Janoi Donacien, a sub against the Shrimps, skippering at right-back with Woolfenden and Corrie Ndaba the centre-halves.

Bailey Clements was handed his second senior start, his first having come in the same competition two years ago, at left-back.

In central midfield, neither Lee Evans nor Rekeem Harper was involved and Idris El Mizouni started alongside Cameron Humphreys with the 17-year-old handed his senior debut.

Armando Dobra was on the right, and Sone Aluko, also making his debut, were in the wide roles with Louie Barry, another debutant, behind Saturday’s last-gasp goal hero Macauley Bonne, who was making his full debut for his hometown club.

Kayden Jackson and youngsters Matt Ward, Fraser Alexander and Albie Armin were among the subs.

Newport boss Michael Flynn named an entirely changed XI from the one which beat Oldham 1-0 away in their opening fixture at the weekend including seven youth products. Ex-Blues midfielder Ed Upson was on the bench.

Prior to kick-off both teams and staff took a knee in protest against racism and inequality to applause from the Portman Road crowd.

Town went close to going in front in the third minute when Dobra brought the ball forward from a central area and hit a low shot across Exiles keeper Nick Townsend but off the outside of the post.

However, a minute later, the visitors went in front. Finn Azaz beat Aluko on the right of the area following a free-kick and crossed low for the unmarked Abraham, the younger brother of England international Tammy, to deftly flick past Holy.

Town quickly looked to get back on terms and in the seventh minute a cross from the right fell to Dobra, who hit a well-struck shot which Townsend batted away. The ball reached Donacien and the St Lucia-born full-back sent it back in for Bonne, who headed into the ground and over.

Newport threatened a second in the 12th minute when Jordan Greenidge turned the ball wide to Kevin Ellison, then burst into the area and only a timely intervention from Woolfenden prevented the Exiles forward from having a free shot at Holy from inside the area.

Chances were coming at both ends in an open early phase of the game. On 14 Barry broke into the area on the right and teed-up Aluko to his left but the Nigerian international, who was making an off-the-pace start to the match, air-kicked.

The ball eventually reached Clements breaking forward from left-back but his shot flew wide with Bonne trying to divert it goalwards with his head.

In the 18th minute Azaz belted a 25-yard free-kick deep into the lower tier of the Sir Bobby Robson Stand.

Two minutes later, Humphreys cleverly beat his man a third of the way inside the Newport half, then threaded an incisive pass through to the breaking Clements to his left. The academy product sent in a low ball but awkwardly for Bonne and keeper Townsend was able to claim.

On 21 Aluko was booked for a foul on Christopher Missilou, then Barry and Dobra combined well on halfway and the Albanian U21 international burst away towards goal but shot against a defender when returning the ball to the on-loan Aston Villa man might have been a better option.

Town were well in control and looking threatening going forward but with their approach breaking down with the final pass or decision. On 24 Humphreys found Barry at the far post with a lofted ball but the linesman’s flag had been raised.

Just after the half hour, an Aluko corner from the right eventually fell for Bonne at a tight angle and the Ipswich-born striker smashed a shot off the outside of the post.

Newport started to see more of the ball and space in the Town half when breaking. On 34 Holy grabbed Abraham’s low cross ahead of Greenidge.

Five minutes later, Aluko, who was finding his way into the game, feinted his way into the area and fed Donacien to his right. The right-back crossed for Bonne, who headed wide.

On 41 Aneurin Livermore was booked for a foul on Dobra just to the left of the penalty box. El Mizouni took the free-kick and hit a low effort at Townsend’s post which the keeper did well to get down to and push wide.

In the penultimate scheduled minute Donacien, who had had a good half, slipped Barry in on the right of the area and the Villa youngster shot into the side-netting at a tight angle.

Town continued to create opportunities in injury time with Bonne rising high to nod to Townsend’s right from Donacien’s right-wing cross but without enough power to concern the keeper.

The half ended with the visitors still in the lead although with the Blues having had plenty of chances.

Despite having gone behind for the second game in a row, Town quickly got control of the game and had had more than enough opportunities to be on terms having hit the woodwork twice, but will feel they should have been sharper with their finishing.

At the other end, Newport had served warning that a second goal was far from an impossibility on a number of occasions with Abraham and Greenidge both having caused problems.

Five minutes after the restart, Bonne battled for the ball on left of the Newport area and it fell for Barry, who blazed over when he will feel he should have done better.

Town thought they’d levelled in the 51st minute when Humphreys sent over a cross from the left which Bonne headed home, but with the linesman’s flag raised.

Three minutes later, the Exiles were forced into a sub with former Blue Upson, the scorer of Town’s 2005 FA Youth Cup-winning goal, replacing Livermore, who had picked up a knock.

Town made their first chance in the 56th minute when Aluko, who had got more into the game after a slow start, was replaced by Scott Fraser.

Just before the hour, a slick Blues move ended with Humphreys, who had certainly made his mark on his debut, playing a pass in behind a defender into Clements’s path on the left and the full-back sent over a dangerous low ball which Townsend grabbed ahead of Barry, taking a kick to his head as a result.

Town continued to look for the equaliser with the second half having been played almost entirely at one end of the field. In the 63rd minute Dobra cut in from the left and struck a powerful shot which was destined for the top corner until Townsend got up and across to superbly paw it wide.

That was Barry’s last action of the game, the England U18 international having shown why he is so highly rated, as he and Bonne, who will feel he should have scored his second Blues goal, were swapped for Norwood and Jackson.

There was a scare for Town on 67 when Ndaba outside-edged a clearance from Lewis Collins’s right-sided cross towards his own goal but fortunately close to Holy, who claimed.

The Blues will wonder how they didn’t get level in the 72nd minute. After a neat interchange on the right, Fraser left his man for dead on the byline, then cut across to Dobra six yards out. The forward took a touch when he probably should have shot first time and his effort was blocked by the keeper.

The save looped to Jackson and his header arced towards goal but without enough power to prevent it from being cleared off the line.

Town created another great opportunity in the 77th minute when Dobra fed Clements to his left from where the left-back beat his man and crossed to Norwood, who headed over at the near post having appeared to be nursing an injury.

Moments later, the striker made his way to the tunnel, leaving the Blues down to 10 men with all three subs having been used.

On 81 Abraham became the latest in a long line of Newport players to take to the turf for treatment for what appeared to be no other reason other than to hold the game up, much to the annoyance of the Town support.

Blues chances had become rarer since losing a man but with four minutes left on the clock, Dobra won a corner on the left which was sent over by El Mizouni and Donacien headed high and wide.

Newport saw out five minutes of injury time, indeed they pressed for a second and won two corners, to end Town’s Carabao Cup run at the first hurdle yet again.

The Blues had dominated, particularly in the second half when the game was like a training exercise for long spells, but were let down by bad decisions and bad finishing.

Town are next in action in League One against Burton Albion at the Pirelli Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Town: Holy, Donacien (c), Woolfenden, Ndaba, Clements, El Mizouni, Humphreys, Dobra, Barry (Norwood 64), Aluko (Fraser 56), Bonne (Jackson 64). Unused: Hladky, Armin, Alexander, Ward.

Newport: Townsend, Clarke (c), Lewis, Hall, Abraham, Azaz (Collins 64), Ellison (Telford 73), Missilou, Greenidge, Woodiwiss, Livermore (Upson 54). Unused: Ovendale, Hillier, Lewis, Karadogan. Referee: Neil Hair (Cambridgeshire). Att: 6,154 (Newport: 131).

Photo: Matchday Images

VanDusen added 10:32 - Aug 11 I am fed up of people saying that tiny squads in the 80s played infinitely more games. This doesn't bear any relation to the complete uplift in the pace and intensity of the game, particularly since the 90s. I mean plenty of players smoked back in the 80s for goodness sake?! The stress on the body is totally different It's likely that most of the sides who won the league in the 70s and 80s would struggle to compete in the Championship these days - as no matter how much skill the players had they'd be left standing by the fitter and stronger modern footballers...

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dirtydingusmagee added 11:09 - Aug 11 PC could have made a statement last night, played a strong side to get them to gel[im hating that term already] probably have won, lifted everyones spirits, and set things up for the tougher away games . BUT if those that think it could take a season or more to get it right want to put up with miserable results so be it, over a decade of listening to same old b#llocks has made me less tollerant, it wont be long before the tide of optimism turns on the terraces if PC cant do something soon.He missed a chance last night, how many more before the penny drops . If we are scrapping it out in top 8 come Christmas , you can chuck stones at me then , but dont put me or others down for being unimpressed with Cooks record so far .

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Bluemike31 added 11:10 - Aug 11 Oh and by the way, we lost Norwood again in this tin pot cup so how anyone can moan about playing a weakened team laughable.
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Nobbysnuts added 11:19 - Aug 11 Bluemike31.....Norwood is a unfit waste of space anyway and this is just sort of game he should play in.
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MickMillsTash added 11:23 - Aug 11 Norwood would be better at another club, he hasn't been fit for over a year. His on field actions are often a disgrace to the club and his off field decisions seem no better. There is a player in there but I've had enough off him. Get rid!
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dannyrr added 11:25 - Aug 11 Disappointing that we couldn't get a cup win. Shades of previous seasons- loads of possession - in our own half and slow to push forward - something we've fallen short of in previous seasons - a lack of desire to have a shot on goal - yes we had 25 but had many more opportunities to have a go but didn't. I know this is a new team but it would have been nice to have seen us win a cup game instead of going out in the first round.

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Bluechip75 added 11:31 - Aug 11 As this is my first post please forgive my naivety but are all the negative doom- mongers on here really just trolls? As other posters have said --put things in perspective--new owners and a huge turnaround of players in the last 8 weeks,one league game and one point is not a disaster. Lets get to the end of October then make a judgement.
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Bluemike31 added 11:49 - Aug 11 Nobbysnuts.....I don't disagree about Norwood but the point is it is easy to lose players in these games when we don't need to take the risk, already without Edmundson and Nsiala so can do without too many more injuries.
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Razor added 12:05 - Aug 11 I dont care what competition it is I would hope and expect to beat Newport County any time any where and that is not being arrogant. One or two players really poor last night but man of match young Humphreys----looks a great player and can pick a pass and they go FORWARD--please keep him in the team. Two tricky away games now----lets see what happens!!
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brendenward35 added 12:34 - Aug 11 I hang my head in shame, just watched the highlights of last nights game how the hell did we lose that game. Players are playing much better football than last season so that has to be a massive turnaround. Looks like that want to wear the shirt which is what the fans and PC wanted. I think a lot of fans were disappointed that he didn't play more of the 1st to get them to gel quicker but that would have been a risk with our luck with injuries look at Norwood as a good example. So apologises if I've been negative and should have more faith in Ashton and Cook to sort out the mess from last season and beyond.

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greenkingtone added 13:03 - Aug 11 I was in the North Stand lower last night. I didn't hear anyone booing but plenty of abuse directed at Townsend in the Newport goal who played a blinder. Our attack had to deal with a massed defense and an on form keeper. I find Phil's match report pretty accurate and the teaam was quick and dominated the game. I was surprised Newport survived numerous attacks and we should have won easily. The P.A. was not itself and any announcements were inaudible. The tiny score screen ought to be replace with big screen soonest. Let's give Cookie some slack and look on the bright side of life.

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Bert added 13:37 - Aug 11 ..... not sure it's the sound system itself but more probably Foster's voice. Very flat and more suited to a studio programme than a match day experience hence it's all very base orientated and muffled. Needs a voice sound check in my opinion. Still haven't a clue who gets subbed because the scoreboard display comes before the announcement when eyes are at the dug out. A very minor thing of course compared to everything else !

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Marinersnose added 13:47 - Aug 11 There is negativity on here but we have lost to a division two side who made eleven changes. We shouldn't be losing this type of game regardless of who plays. PC has been given the money required to build his team and has been vociferous having taken the team from the playoffs last season to mid table.These traits are what the fans find irritating. Yes he's bought a huge amount of players in and shipped out even more. He has acquired some quality players and some who he knows and trusts. I found Saturday underwhelming and lacking intensity but it was our first game. Usually adrenaline is high and the team are pumped but that wasn't evident. We have many strikers but not out and out goalscorers and defence is still poor relying on Nsiala who is not good enough. I think Cook deserves time but if in the autumn we are outside the top six then I think the axe will fall. We have so many positives to look forward to but we should be beating these teams. Clemo Dobra and Humphreys deserve a pat on the back. Dobra should be a first team starter.

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DaGremloid added 15:35 - Aug 11 Sorry Bluemike31 - I gave you a thumbs-up by mistake. Should have been a thumbs-down. However you're right about stats not lying - Paul Cook's stats since he took over are garbage. We're not just talking about this season.
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WhoisJimmyJuan added 15:44 - Aug 11 I agree. This result wasn't good enough but there were positives. PC's record so far isn't good enough, but I trust him that this is a work in progress. I reserve my right to complain about this result and his record, but equally for the time being I am optimistic for the season ahead. Just please give the fans results and goals to cheer about so we can maintain our noise! COYB!

2

ldnj added 16:09 - Aug 11 I know I shouldn't but I just laughed when the goal popped up last night. Out of frustration that even beating a Div 4 side isn't possible. I hope the others were playing a practice game so they get more time together. I've searched but I've yet to find a successful manager named "Paul" ... ! Let's hope there might one day be one and it's sooner rather than later, and we know the one we want it to be.

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runningout added 17:01 - Aug 11 after that average show, looking forward to Burton just the same
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dirtydingusmagee added 17:55 - Aug 11 dont normally disagree with you, but good luck with that one runningout .
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budgieplucker added 18:56 - Aug 11 We town fans on the whole are generally polite and fair. There will always be differing opinions and if they are logically and politely presented then should be respected. I would normally be in the no panic queue and PC needs to be given time and I think that's where most people are, with one or two exceptions most people who I think are being classified as negative have made some very valid points. But without repeating my earlier post, EFL trophy aside (where I think it is an ideal opportunity to play many of our youngsters and squad players), I hold both other cup competitions in high esteem. Having followed our game for nearly 60 years, ok some teams do not take them serious or at least until they get the later stages. A couple of years ago Burton Albion got to the semi-final of the Carabao cup against Manchester City, what a terrific season for them. The one thing about our wonderful game is that in cup competitions it is theoretically possible to qualify for European Competition. Ok very unlikely but the dream is far more real than ever making it to the Champions League any time soon. What this great football club of ours stands for is a dream that allows us to compete with the best, Sir Alf and Sir Bobby's legacy but not just for us but for any team with modest resources. A wonderful legacy for our game whoever you support. Ok the premiership has almost put paid to that but the cup competitions should be cherished as a romance with our game. Therefore, a major gripe I had with McCarthy and Lambert is their attitude towards the cup competitions. I will continue to chastise any manager who does not treat these games seriously. Last night at times was set up more as a preseason friendly for Ipswich than a great chance to move forward and meet a big team in the competition at a later stage. In the past we have at times actually seen some good football from both Mick and Lambo's sides, despite also seeing a lot of poor football as well and trying to be persuaded that we played well. Fans are relatively happy if you are regularly doing the business in both boxes. Sets of play in between are a bonus. However, a problem has persisted in this area for too long now. Last night was really no different, gave an early goal away, opposition parked the bus, passages of good play in the middle of the park, crosses into the box largely ineffective, Bonne tried but no other physical present to attack balls in the box. So what has actually changed.? Granted there were some nice performances from some of the younger players which is a positive but in the cold light of day we deserved to loose the match because we couldn't get a good touch on the end of any of the balls played into the box for those that hadn't been over hit, and we yet again shot ourselves in the foot by conceding a soft goal early. Our patterns of play between boxes were mostly good but some of the final basics were yet again poor!!! That's not, not gelling, that's just a lack of having a few better players, heavy guns, experience and quality around to sew the game together. I don't think therefore that “on another day” with the same lineup we should necessarily expect a different result without some luck. But you do make your own luck and law of averages says last night we should have put a couple away. A shot against the outside of the post or side netting when the goalkeeper has it covered is hardly unlucky though.

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algarvefan added 19:11 - Aug 11 Just a point, very much a second string side that managed 25 efforts on goal and at times looked very fluid & polished. OK we missed a couple of sitters but how much is that an improvement on last season? In some games not a single strike on goal last season, how is last night not an improvement? Of course we shouldn't have lost the game, but the negativity on here is laughable, things in both games so far look better, the goals will come, keep the faith. It's August and the cup competitions are all Mickey Mouse.

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dirtydingusmagee added 11:18 - Aug 12 Bluemike, we would have lost Norwood anyway, he is never a reliable team member because of fitness/injuries, May knock a few goals in but spends far to much time out to be a real asset, i am disappointed he is still at Town, we have carried too many sicknote passengersin the past . IMO he should be on next train out of town with Jackson .
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