Taylor Maloney is hoping his hat-trick against Cheltenham Town – his first ever goals in professional football – in the thrilling 7-4 Leasing.Com Trophy victory will act as a springboard to his Newport County AFC career.
The 20-year-old made up an integral part of an attack that struck seven past the Robins, a result that, coupled with Exeter City’s 3-1 defeat of West Ham United U23, saw them qualify for the knockout rounds.
Tristan Abrahams also bagged himself a treble while Matty Dolan found the net with a penalty in the win.
After struggling to hold down a place in the first team this season, Maloney took his chance with both hands and is hoping for more game time after an impressive outing.
“It was a good game, a good performance from the boys and obviously I’m happy to get a few goals,” he said.
“I think we were good going forward, every time we went forward, we looked like we were going to score.
“Happy we won the game, first win in the competition so obviously delighted to contribute as well.
“I’m looking to get more game time and fingers crossed that will come.
“I’ve been patient, the gaffer’s been good with me so fingers crossed it will turn a corner.
“That’s what these games are for, so players like me that are on the fringes at the moment we’ve got to come in and do well and show the gaffer what we can do and what we can bring.”
Maloney’s next chance to show what he can do will be Wednesday’s Emirates FA Cup first-round replay with Grimsby Town at Rodney Parade.
“It was a tough game away but I think at home we’ve got a good chance with the fans behind us,” he added.
“We were on top of them towards the end of the game and probably should have nicked another goal but overall I think it was a fair result.
“Our home results are better than our away results so fingers crossed we do well.”