I didn't think it was as bad as some have been saying. We put in a lot of effort on a long away trip on Saturday, we've got a big home game in a few days and Newport really had nothing to lose. Our issue in the first half was that we had no width and two makeshift midfielders, whereas Newport played 442 and had two quick wingers. Gunter had his work cut out against their left winger, but came out on top.

For all their play, McCarthy was rarely troubled. He made a couple of saves in the first half, but he was hardly stretched. In fact, back passes seemed to cause him more trouble. He didn't do anything wrong, but he's certainly not showing the sort of form he did at the back end of the PL season.

Hector will make a good CB and could become a decent defensive midfielder, but he tried Hollywood passes far to often and most ended up going out of play. He'll learn though, no point getting on his back too much. We got through in 90 minutes, didn't have any injuries and Tanner got himself on the scoresheet on debut. I'll take that.
Esteban

It was a decent match and I'm glad I went. The crowd was ok (6439 I think) for an early Cup game and after a lacklustre start from us, we controlled large parts of the game. Newport played some good stuff and controlled the first 15 minutes, using their wingers to good effect. McCarthys had to pull off a couple of smart saves, but as soon as Pog lobbed Pidgeley for the opening goal, we took control of the match and Newport were restricted to playing on the counter.

First half wasn't our best football. We were quite direct for the early stages, but after the big Russian's goal, we started to play some nice neat football. Pearce should've put us 2-0 up with a header and Newport should have been down to ten men when the last man pulled Pog down, but the Ref only gave a yellow!

Second half continued in the same tidy fashion for us. Lots of nice interplay with Gunter making some strong runs and Hector bossing the midfield. Blackman has continued his good form and should have scored just after the hour mark when a nice passing move started by himself should have seen him finish, but he got his shot al wrong. Good to see him get on the score sheet though with a surging run and finish in the last few minutes.

Newport were good value for their goal so I wouldn't begrudge them it. Their fans were loud and good fun too, particularly the fat lad in the grey down front! So chuffed for Tanner too. He was on barely five minutes and looked really lively. Took his goal well.
Tilehurstsouthbank

The Exiles started ever so brightly at a rather under occupied Madejski Stadium and created several good chances in the early stages before the Royals took the lead on 21 minutes.

There were subsequently unfounded suspicions Pogrebnyak was off-side as he was put through. What was not in doubt though was the quality of the Russian’s finish as he chipped the stranded Lenny Pidgeley from a good 20 yards out.

Minutes into the second-half County should have been level. Adam Chapman put a bouncing ball into the Royals’ box and O’Connor had time and space, but somehow headed wide.

Not long after though the Exiles were thankful to shot-stopper Pidgeley as he saved superbly from a long-range effort from Blackman.

But as they pushed for the equaliser they were punished when Blackman wriggled through and slotted home confidently with three minutes left.

The scoring was not over mind, as added time came Jeffers scored his first for the club, but with the last kick of the game Tanner slotted home and for all their exertions Edinburgh and his men were down and out.
Wales Online