MIDFIELDER Tom Owen-Evans believes Newport County AFC can earn three points at Crewe Alexandra on Saturday after shocking League One Southend United in the Carabao Cup.

Owen-Evans starred in an attacking midfield role and set up Shawn McCoulsky for his second goal in a superb team performance at Roots Hall.

The 20-year-old believes the Shrimpers underestimated County in the League Cup first round tie and paid the price as they went down to a 2-0 defeat.

“We knew we had the quality to come here and win,” said the Exiles academy graduate.

“I think they might have underestimated us a bit and thought they might have had an easy win but we knew in the changing room that we could come here and get a result.

“I thought we were the better team and deserved the result so it’s a big positive.

“Crewe away is another tough game now but I think we can go there and get the three points if we perform well.”

Owen-Evans faces tough competition in midfield with Matty Dolan, Joss Labadie Robbie Willmott and Sean Rigg all vying for a starting spot but he was happy to take his chance to impress on Tuesday.

“We’ve got a good squad, a lot better than in previous seasons,” he said.

“Obviously there’s a lot of competition in midfield, with Ben Tozer coming back from injury as well, so I knew if I got the chance to start I had to impress the gaffer and hopefully I’ve done that.

“I definitely feel part of the first team squad now,” he added.

“I had a nice little run towards the end of the season last year and with us staying up and keeping the majority of the squad everyone has bonded well and there’s a great team spirit between the boys.

“I feel a part of that and it’s nice.”

Owen-Evans, who signed a new two-year contract in the summer, is excited for the future under manager Michael Flynn after a fine start to the new campaign.

“There’s nothing better than getting a last-minute goal on Saturday and to get a win in the cup as well it can only be good,” he said.

And in McCoulsky, on loan from Bristol City, Owen-Evans believes the Exiles have found the goalscorer they needed.

“I could have had five goals [on Tuesday] but I set Shawn up for a goal so I’ll take that,” he said.

“Shawn scores goals and that’s what we need. He came on and got the equalizer on Saturday and now he’s got another two.

“He’s in the right place at the right time and he scored two tap-ins but we’ll take them.

“He thanked me when we were celebrating so I’m happy to get the assist.”