GOAL hero Shawn McCoulsky says Newport County AFC demonstrated their determination not to be beaten as his late leveller rescued a point at Stevenage on the opening day of the League Two campaign.

The 20-year-old striker arrived on loan from Bristol City last week and came off the bench midway through the second half at the Lamex Stadium for his Football League debut.

And he slammed the ball into the roof of the net in the fourth minute of stoppage-time for his first Football League goal as County recovered from 1-0 and 3-1 down to earn a 3-3 draw.

Fellow new signing Frank Nouble also notched a debut goal and Mickey Demetriou continued his remarkable scoring form in a thrilling second half.

But it was McCoulsky’s day and the youngster couldn’t hide his delight after the match.

“I’m absolutely buzzing,” he said. “It couldn’t have gone better for me.

“I’m very happy. I couldn’t ask for more.

“The manager just told me to go and affect the game as much as I could.

“Obviously their defenders were a bit tired and when I got the chance I took it.

“Before the game I wanted it to be special and it worked out that way,” he added.

“The result wasn’t what we wanted but at least we got the point. The boys didn’t stop and we showed great character and great heart.

“No one wants to lose their first game and it was a good point from 3-1 down so we’ll definitely take that.”

McCoulsky could be handed his first start in tomorrow night’s Carabao Cup tie at Southend United.

“I’ve certainly put myself in the frame but it’s up to the gaffer whether I start or I’m on the bench,” he said.

“If I do get on the pitch I’ll just try to affect the game as much as I can again.”

Manager Michael Flynn says there will be changes and there may even be more new additions before the match.

“I want to progress in every competition we play in but there will be a couple of changes,” said the Exiles boss.

“We won’t dwell on Saturday now. We’ll take the positives, work on the things we need to work on and go from there.

“We haven’t picked up any injuries,” he added. “Joss Labadie just looked a little bit jaded so I changed him but I thought he did very well.

“He put pressure on them and worked tirelessly but we put some fresh legs in there at the end and it paid off.”

Injured duo Ben Tozer and Marlon Jackson are still ruled out.

“They’re not ready,” said the Exiles boss. “Tuesday will be too early and probably next weekend will be too early for them as well.

“So we’ve got what we’ve got at the minute, unless some new faces come through the door.”

Asked if he could add to his squad again before tomorrow, Flynn said: “Yeah, I hope so.”