Newport County Shaquille Gwengwe says he is enjoying his time in south Wales since signing from Poole Town in the summer.
The prolific 24-year-old scored 46 goals in 46 games last season in the Southern Premier Division South and stepped up three divisions to switch to the Exiles.
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The forward made his league debut during County’s season opener, scoring County’s second goal in their 3-0 win against Rochdale.
“To be honest, I’m just enjoying it. I’m having fun. I think my transition has been fairly comfortable,” said Gwengwe.
“Obviously the management and the lads have made me feel really welcome. I’m just taking each day as it comes, but I’m enjoying it.
“The games are very fast and you’ve just got to be switched on. Any little mistake, you get punished. But the main thing for me is just trying to be in the box and try to get to the end of things and score goals.”
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Prior to impressing against Rochdale, his competitive debut against AFC Wimbledon in the first round of the EFL Cup was one to forget.
Gwengwe missed a penalty during Newport’s 1-1 draw, before eventually losing 5-4 in a penalty shootout, but he insists he did not let it affect him.
“I had to remain positive. You want to score every penalty that you take, but sometimes these things happen,” he added
“It’s fine margins, but I try to remain positive and also just work at it. Reps, reps, reps and I know I can score penalties, it was just one of them blips.”
Although Gwengwe bagged his side’s second goal last weekend, manager Mullins deployed the traditional number nine out wide.
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And despite not playing in his preferred position, he is relishing his time under the new boss.
“It’s different, but that’s what the team needs right now. I’m there doing the job for the team. At the end of the day, even though I’m out wide, my aim is to create and score goals,” he said.
“It’s been really good [under the manager], demanding as well, especially as an attacker, but that’s a good thing. He expects a lot from us and we try to do that for him each and every day, especially in training.
“That’s transforming now onto the pitch and long may it continue, we’re all enjoying it under him.”
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