NEW manager Peter Nicholas promised to give County's talented youngsters the chance to make Dr Martens Cup progress - and they went very close to doing so at Sutton Coldfield last night.

That they failed was down to two mistakes by goalkeeper Tim Hart, who had a particularly jittery night on only his second appearance in County's starting line-up.

His problems started as early as the 11th minute when his headstrong rush to the edge of his area presented Kirk Maragh with a great chance but, fortunately on that occasion for Hart, Maragh failed to take advantage. County went ahead after 22 minutes when Raith Plant's effective run and cut back enabled Neil Davis to sweep the ball into the net.

It could have been a wider interval margin but, in the last minute of the half, Scott Walker's 25-yard free kick clipped the crossbar.

Sutton Coldfield threatened early in the second half, Dean Baker shooting over and Kevin Jones hitting the angle but, with Sutton 'keeper Justin Bray having to save another Scott Walker free kick, County looked comfortable.

Then came Hart's blunders.

Twice in the space of 12 minutes he rushed to the edge of his area only to cause confusion among his defenders and both incidents were severely punished, Nathan Moran equalising after 62 minutes and Simon Ticker scoring what proved to be a simple winner 16 minutes from time.

For the later stages of the match, manager Nicholas had no fewer that eight teenagers on the pitch and all of them will have reason to be pleased with their display.

Chris Rogers, on his senior debut, impressed from the kick off and his confidence, a factor present in all the Academy lads, enabled him regularly to take on opponents and brought about a booking for home skipper John Howard.

Gethin Jones looked sure of foot and touch in midfield and his display even meant that Matt Rose could be spared the second half, while Neil Davis was also withdrawn to be replaced by yet another teenager, Ashleigh Gittings.

While the competition may not have been top of County's priorities, they will be disappointed to have lost.

But the overall display was very satisfying and proves the production line that started with Nathan Davies and Andrew Thomas is in very good working order and set to provide a few more first team regulars in the future.

Sutton Coldfield: J Bray, N Moran, D Massingham, J Howard, S Farmer, K Jones, K Maragh (N Watkins 76), D Baker, J Russell, S Tucker, R Gardner. Subs: D Perrow, A Ling, S Randall, A Whitehouse. Booked: Howard (42).

Newport County: T Hart, L Stanton, S Walker, L Stone, A Thomas (J Dupres 79), G Jones, M Rose (A Stevenson 46), M Fowler, N Davis (A Gittings 46), R Plant, C Rogers. Subs: J Eckhardt, P Mountain. Att: 92. Booked: Fowler (23 - foul).