Manager Michael Flynn made 10 changes to his Newport County starting line-up for their Checkatrade Trophy tie against Cheltenham Town at Rodney Parade.
Academy players Tom Hillman, Evan Press and Lewis Collins all made their first appearances at first team level, while Owen Taylor went on from the bench.
Flynn gave his fringe players their chance to play and 16-year-old Jay Foulston made another start, while Lamar Reynolds scored his first goal in professional football.
“It was a brilliant performance from a team where I gave four players from the youth team their debut,” said Flynn.
“We were out of the competition and I have a lot of injuries plus illness in the camp.
“It was more beneficial to see what a couple of the youth players can do.
“We were the better side throughout, but gave away two sloppy goals early on.
“Lamar was brilliant and he scored his first professional goal and that is another positive.
“Marlon Jackson had 65 minutes as well so there were a lot of positives.”
Flynn selected his team for the Trophy group match after taking into consideration Friday night’s League Two home clash with Port Vale at Rodney Parade (7.45pm).
Dan Butler was the only player who started against Walsall in the FA Cup and kept his place for Cheltenham’s visit.
Brian Graham (71 seconds) and Harry Pell (11 mins) scored early goals for Cheltenham and they proved enough to earn victory.
Jackson, making his first appearance since he damaged a hamstring in pre-season, produced some good moments, while Reynolds gave Cheltenham defenders a difficult time.
There was £10,000 prize money on offer for the winners of this match and that went to Cheltenham, but there were good signs that Newport have talented young players coming through.
County: Bittner, Butler, Foulston, Bennett, Hillman, Reynolds, Rigg, Press, Collins, Jackson (Taylor 70), Quigley (Amond 81). Subs not used: Day, Pipe, Demetriou, Tozer, McCoulsky.
Referee: Simon Hooper
Attendance: 540
Checkatrade Trophy details:
There are 16 groups of four organised on a regional basis. Newport finished bottom of the group without a win, while Forest Green and Swansea go through to the knockout stage.
Group E results: Cheltenham Town 1, Swansea City (u-21) 2; Forest Green Rovers 2, Newport County 0; Cheltenham Town 1, Forest Green Rovers 2; Newport County 1, Swansea City (u-21) 2; Forest Green Rovers 0, Swansea City (u-21) 2; Newport County 1, Cheltenham Town 2.
