Antwi says ugly stuff not acrobatics behind Newport surge

Cameron Antwi celebrated a boyhood dream with the spectacular at Crewe – but says it’s the ugly stuff that is making the difference for in-form Newport County.

The Exiles have taken a giant stride towards easing League Two relegation fears with three wins in a row.

The latest came at Gresty Road, with the former Cardiff City midfielder opening the scoring in the 3-0 win.

It was the 23-year-old’s first senior goal, the midfielder marking the occasion with an eye-catching somersault.

But it’s been the way an inexperienced side has suddenly found its fight that has really impressed of late, something Antwi acknowledged a young team has learned to get to grips with.

“I’ve been waiting for that since I was eight or nine years-old,” said summer arrival Antwi of his landmark goal.

“This is my first season in the EFL and I am enjoying it. I am learning every single day and taking in different experiences, and also learning from the older lads and other boys that have come in. Every day is a learning curve.

“I feel that I am starting to progress more and I think that is showing on the pitch with results and performances.

“I’m understanding sometimes you need to just put your foot in and I feel that I am learning that and getting better at that. When I am in the middle, I’ve got to be the one to do that and then others will follow.

“It’s just been about getting to know each other more and also just fighting for each other, being there for your mates on the pitch.

“It’s understanding I can’t just play individually, it has to be as a team. We’re on a good run and will look to go into Tuesday with the same spirit and same fight and win again.”

Newport welcome bottom placed Carlisle in midweek – now managed by Wales legend Mark Hughes – with the chance to move 16 points clear of the bottom two.

It could be a significant opportunity given they were once within six points with games against survival rivals to come.

Antwi added: “It’s been a long time since we have put a few wins together but we have worked together, fought together and got the right results for it.

“We’re not looking ahead of us or behind, we’re just focusing on ourselves.”