County head to Shrewsbury on Saturday with scrutiny mounting, league position worsening, and outside noise growing louder — but inside the dressing room, belief in Hughes remains rock solid, insists midfielder Antwi.
Newport sit bottom of League Two, and Saturday’s showdown with 23rd-placed Shrewsbury – two points and one place above Hughes’ men - could prove pivotal for the club as well as their boss.
Over 700 County supporters are expected to make the trip to New Meadow, hoping to see their team climb off the foot of the table with what would be a fourth consecutive away victory in all competitions.
“I'd say in and around the camp, the players and staff know that we're much better than what the league table says,” insisted Antwi.
“We've been performing well at times. Obviously, we're a new group, we're still gelling, but I feel like the units are much stronger.
“I feel like we've all grown through lessons from last season and taken it to this season. Sometimes, football doesn't go your way, but you go through bad spots, everyone goes through bad spots.”
READ MORE: David Hughes Insists Only Regular Victories Count as a Revival
For all the external debate surrounding Hughes future, former Cardiff squad player Antwi – who has chipped in with two goals in Newport’s last three matches – is convinved the North Walian can turn things around.
“The manager is building something. I think he's been great with us,” added Antwi.
“He does a lot of individual work with all of us, one-on-one, different meetings, different sessions, and he's been great with us as a team.
“He's always motivating us to just go into the next game and get the win, get the three points. He's stuck with us 100% and we stick with him 100%.
“He's been really trying to push my game and I do respect him for that.
“If we just keep pushing and pushing then everyone will see what we're capable of and it's just a matter of time.”
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Hughes himself recognises the significance of this fixture but the former Manchester United academy coach refuses to label it a season-defining clash.
"When you're looking up, they're always going to be big games,” he says.
“We're aware of what it means. We'll be well supported, which is terrific for everybody, and we will go with every intent to ensure that we reward the supporters who are travelling up.
“It's an important game for them as well. Where they've come from, their budget will be significantly bigger than ours, so there's also an expectation on them as well."
“When you look at the points still left to play for, we know what a result can do for confidence, for morale, for everybody.
“But we're only going one game at a time."
Hughes insists he cannot afford to dwell on what might happen if results continue to go against him.
"I can't concern myself with what may happen if results continue as they are because that takes your energy away from helping the team.
"I'm always optimistic when we get to game day that we're going to put a performance in to help us be successful."
Newport will be without suspended midfielder Kai Whitmore, while Joe Thomas and Tom Davies face late fitness checks.
But Habeeb Ogunneye is expected to be available, and longer-term absentees Matt Smith and Liam Shephard are edging closer to returns.
🏟️ Shrewsbury Town vs Newport County — Match Factfile
📍 Venue: Croud Meadow, Shrewsbury
📅 Date: Saturday 22 November 2025
⏰ Kick-off: 3.00pm (UK time)
📺 Live on: Not televised (iFollow streaming available)
💥 Headline
Shrewsbury Town look to strengthen their League One survival push as Newport County arrive in confident mood, chasing another notable away scalp.
🧾 Competition
EFL League Two
🔎 Players to Watch
Shrewsbury Town: Sam Clucas, Taylor Perry.
Newport County: Cameron Antwi, Sammy Braybrooke
💬 Player’s View
"The players and staff know that we're much better than what the league table says,” said Cameron Antwi.
💷 What’s at Stake
Both Shrewsbury and Newport are targeting vital points to climb clear of the relegation zone. Another away victory for County would lift them above the Shrews and off the bottom of League Two.
📈 Odds
Shrewsbury Town 17/20
Draw 12/5
Newport County 7/2
