Cooper backing for Obika

Mark Cooper has backed striker Jonathan Obika to bag even more goals after he helped Swindon reach the second round of the JPT.

The former Tottenham striker netted the opening goal in Tuesday's 2-1 victory over Newport at Rodney Parade to make it five goals in four games. Andy Williams had seemingly sealed a Johnstone's Paint Trophy second-round meeting at Plymouth Argyle after he burst clear of the County defence to lob the on-rushing Joe Day. But Yan Klukowski had the away support sweating when he netted from close range with just eight minutes to play. Cooper said: "Jon Obika will get better and better the more he gets used to our way of playing and he'll certainly get more chances playing in this team. "We played really well tonight with a much-changed team. "Some boys came in for their first action and played some really good football at times and I think it should have been a lot more comfortable than it was in the end. "The competition for places we have gets everyone on their toes as they want to fight their way into the team which they showed tonight. "A lot of our attacking play was very encouraging, we had some really smooth attacks on their goal and we should have made it more comfortable. "It's important we go further in this competition because it gives the youngsters time on the pitch in competitive games, these matches are perfect for keeping the team sharp and focused." Newport County manager Justin Edinburgh was forced into two substitutions due to injuries before the second half started and was satisfied with his side's display, despite seeing their six-match unbeaten run come to an end. "I thought we dealt with the disruption of injury and illnesses before the game very well," he said. "The players gave a very good account of themselves against a quality team, their position in League One is fully deserved. "We started the game well but Michael Flynn's injury disrupted that. We brought young Aaron Collins on for his debut and within 20 minutes he was forced off with concussion. "We were up against it but the character and the way the players conducted themselves was excellent. "We put 16-year-old Regan Poole in the side against two established centre forwards in Williams and Obika and he acquitted himself really well again. "I commend the players for their attitude towards the game after our setbacks and adjustments."