The Game
Newport County vs Argyle. Rodney Parade. Tuesday, 6 October. 7pm. Jersey Mike's Trophy Group E.
The Opposition
Newport County have enjoyed a decent start to the season considering many pre-season predictors had tipped them to struggle in Sky Bet League Two this year.
Their opening-day triumph at Rodney Parade in which they beat Rochdale 3-0 was followed by a run of six games without a win. However, draws in that period against Tranmere Rovers, Fleetwood Town and Accrington Stanley kept the Exiles consistently ticking over.
In their past two league games, County have won at Rodney Parade against Grimsby Town and drawn away at Gillingham. This takes them to 15th in the league-two table and closer to the top seven than the bottom two - an early points return that will surely please manager Hayden Mullins.
Newport kicked off their Jersey Mike's Trophy campaign against Swindon Town, a game which Mullins' side won 2-0. This means that they sit second in Group E and only behind Argyle on goal difference. Both teams go into tonight's fixture knowing a win will see them take a significant step closer towards qualification for the Jersey Mike's Trophy knockout stages.
The Gaffer
47-year-old manager Hayden Mullins was a midfielder throughout his playing days, featuring most notably for Crystal Palace, West Ham United and Portsmouth. He retired at Notts County and went into a coaching role at Reading in which he was responsible for overseeing players that were out on loan.
He then went on to join Watford as assistant under-21s coach before eventually being put in charge of the under-23s. After a couple of years he was made temporary manager of the Hornets, following the sacking of Quique Sánchez Flores. He was handed another interim stint a year later, this time taking over from Nigel Pearson.
Following Watford's relegation in 2020, Mullins departed Vicarage Road and pitched up at Colchester United as assistant head coach. Towards the end of his first season in Essex, the former midfielder was made Colchester head coach permanently.
He was sacked eight months later before taking the job as coach of the Turks and Caicos Islands National Team. He returned to England after a couple of months to become Fulham Under-21s head coach. Whilst in this post, Mullins led his team to success in the Premier League Cup.
A move to Newport County came next, he became manager this summer - just over four years since his last EFL job.
Previous Meeting
We last faced Newport County in this same competition back in 2021. It was a young Argyle side that fell to defeat at Rodney Parade on that day, led by Ryan Lowe. A duo of former Pilgrims did the damage for Newport, Dom Telford and Timmy Abraham netted in the second half to ensure victory for the Exiles.
It was still a day to remember for Argyle, however, as Freddie Issaka came off the bench to make his senior debut at just 15 years and 34 days. This made his the youngest-ever player to feature in a competitive fixture for the Greens.
Team News
Tyreeq Bakinson will be back in contention for selection in this evening's Jersey Mike's Trophy game against Newport County. He missed Saturday's trip to Leyton Orient as he was ineligible to feature against his parent club.
Tegan Finn and Caleb Roberts are also likely to be involved as they are allowed to feature for Argyle in the trophy, despite being out on loan at Torquay United. Freddie Issaka, who himself is out on loan, will be not be returning from Gateshead United for this game.
Defender Alex Hartridge is back in training this week and could see the pitch in one of the Greens' upcoming games against AFC Wimbledon or Huddersfield Town, but Tuesday's trip to Rodney Parade will likely come too soon.
Julio Pleguezuelo, Owen Oseni, Michael Baidoo and Malachi Boateng are all longer absentees that will miss this game with varying injuries.
The Strip
Argyle will be sporting their green home kit for this game.
Argyle TV
Supporters unable to attend Argyle's EFL Trophy fixture against Newport County tonight can follow the action live on Argyle TV.
7pm - Kick-off at Rodney Parade, with live commentary from Rob McNichol, who will be joined on co-commentary by Jon Beswetherick.
UK & Ireland Supporters
Due to EFL broadcast regulations, live video streaming is unavailable in domestic territories. However, you can listen to every Argyle game live throughout the season with an Argyle TV subscription - available for £5.50 per month or £55 for the year.
If you’re not a subscriber, you can still purchase an individual audio match pass for £2.50.
International Supporters
Live video streaming is available overseas - You can watch every Argyle game live with an Argyle TV International subscription, available for £30 per month or £200 for the year.
If you prefer, you can buy an individual video match pass for £10 per game.
Audio match passes are also available overseas for £2.50, giving you full commentary wherever you are in the world.
Click here to access Argyle TV and view our subscription and match pass options.
