It is almost 12 months since Newport County won at Gillingham to move to within three points of the League Two play-off places.

Since then, Newport have been on 21 away trips in the fourth tier and managed only two further victories, at Crewe in February and Crawley in the first week of this season.

From that point on, of course, 2025-26 has proved to be a struggle for the Exiles, whose recent home form has been an even bigger concern than results on their travels.

But as they prepare to go to Accrington Stanley on Saturday, David Hughes’ players should hit the road with a little more spring in their step after Tuesday’s rousing success at Cardiff City.

Yes it was only the EFL Trophy, but the hope for Newport will be that victory over their League One neighbours – who despite making changes, fielded a number of first-team players – will provide a lift as they return to the task of trying to climb the league table.

Hughes’ bottom-of-the-table team take on an Accrington side who are just four places above them, and who have won only one of their four home league fixtures to date this season.

Stanley also struggled on their own patch last term, with five league victories in 23 attempts – the joint-lowest tally in the division.

After the shot in the arm that was victory in Cardiff, Newport’s players may even have a sense that opportunity knocks as they travel to the Wham Stadium.