THERE was a moment midway through the second half of Saturday’s 2-0 win at Swindon Town that underlined one of the main reasons why Newport County AFC have made such a fine start to the new League Two campaign.
Left-back Ryan Haynes picked up the ball in his own half and set off on a rampaging run past three or four opponents before sliding a perfect pass through for Tristan Abrahams to hammer home.
Unfortunately, Abrahams hadn’t quite held his run beyond the last defender long enough and the offside flag was up before the net bulged.
It didn’t make the cut for the Sky Sports or Quest highlights packages, but it was a passage of play that will have stuck in the mind of all 755 travelling fans who made the short trip to the County Ground.
And it was a prime example of the impact that Haynes has made since his summer arrival from Shrewsbury Town.
The left-back has been one of the Exiles’ most consistent performers, playing his part in seven clean sheets in 11 league games as well as creating countless chances in attack and grabbing a goal at Forest Green Rovers.
Haynes was at fault for Exeter City’s goal at Rodney Parade last week but that is pretty much the only mistake he’s made in two months as a County player.
Behind him in goal, fellow newcomer Tom King has been equally impressive.
King has conceded just six goals in 11 appearances so far and, despite a few hairy moments, he has quickly established himself as a safe pair of hands behind the tock-solid County defence.
The former Millwall goalkeeper quickly shook off a mistake in the opening day draw with Mansfield Town to record six successive clean sheets.
And, despite a few moments of hesitation at Macclesfield Town and one ill-advised piece of trickery that almost gifted Exeter a late winner, he’s shown what a reliable shot-stopper he is.
Haynes and King were both nominated for different League Two player of the month awards for August and the new Exiles number one is even rumoured to be under consideration by Wales manager Ryan Giggs for a shock call-up to the national squad.
The Plymouth-born keeper, who qualifies for Wales through his mum and grandmother, has played down that speculation.
But it shows just what an impact he’s made in such a short time in Newport and the success of King and Haynes has almost made County fans forget about former favourites Joe Day and Dan Butler.
When Day departed for Cardiff City and Butler headed to Peterborough United, it was generally accepted that both would be sorely missed.
Swindon manager Richie Wellens was hardly complimentary about County after Saturday’s defeat but beforehand he was full of praise for Michael Flynn and his team.
“They just missed out in the play-offs last season and he lost his best player, for me, which was the goalkeeper,” said Wellens.
“And he lost Butler, who was one of the best left-backs in the league last year. But he’s brought players in and they’ve only lost one game this season.”
The performances that King and Haynes have produced and the results they have contributed to have meant that Day and Butler have not been missed at all.
“I think Tom’s been excellent,” said Flynn. “They were big shoes to fill, as were Dan Butler’s.
“It’s a credit to Tom and to Ryan that they’ve come in and almost made losing those two players less damaging than many thought it would be.”
County captain Joss Labadie added: “Joe and Dan are good players but, without sounding horrible, we’ve not missed them because the players that have come in have done a great job.”
This team is also evolving up front, where last season’s top scorer Padraig Amond was dropped to accommodate summer signing Abrahams on Saturday.
The 20-year-old striker may only have three goals in 14 appearances so far, but he’s impressed everyone with his attitude and application.
And his impact means that Amond and Jamille Matt, who scored 43 goals between them last season, are no longer automatic picks.
“Tristan’s been fantastic for a young lad,” said Labadie. “His work ethic is great, he’s humble and I think he’s got a really big future ahead of him.
“He’s got a great attitude, he’s a top lad, he integrates well with the rest of the team and he’s a really good player.”
Flynn has assembled a squad full of really good players and it may just be better than last season's.
Read more: Newport County goal hero Mark O'Brien praises 'team effort' at Swindon
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