Crystal Palace Under-21s will face a familiar figure when they meet Newport County at Rodney Parade on Tuesday, 10 November, with the EFL Trophy knockout-stage qualification places at stake.
Newport manager Hayden Mullins came through Palace’s youth system and made his first-team debut as a teenager under Terry Venables in 1998. He went on to play 257 times for the Eagles and captain the club, making the fixture a significant reunion for the former midfielder.
Mullins has spoken warmly about his Palace connections, describing the club as an important part of his career and saying he has continued to hold it in high regard. He will nevertheless be aiming to preserve Newport’s unbeaten home record this season against a young Eagles side.
The Newport boss also knows Darren Powell, who he played alongside, and expects Palace to be an energetic and aggressive opponent. Mullins believes matches involving Under-21 teams can be difficult because young players are eager to make an impression.
Newport will progress to the knockout stages if they avoid defeat. A draw could still leave Palace level with County on points if the Eagles win the resulting penalty shootout, although Newport would retain the advantage on goal difference.
Both teams could still qualify, but that scenario would require a Palace shootout victory and Plymouth to suffer a heavy defeat against Swindon on the same evening.
