Shephard had a hand in all three goals

Swansea crashed out of the FAW Premier Cup to Dr Martens Premier Division outfit Newport County at Spytty Park.

Garry Shephard was the star of the show, scoring two and making the third for the home side as they took revenge for last season's 3-0 Cup defeat to the same opposition.

It was sweet revenge for Newport manager Peter Nicholas, sacked as assistant coach at the Vetch last season after helping the Swans climb to Division Three safety.

Brian Flynn's men currently languish four points adrift at the foot of the Nationwide league and they had hoped to use a successful cup run to boost their flagging confidence.

The under-fire Swans were stunned just four minutes into the game when a Shephard cross from the edge of the area was caught in the strong, swirling wind.

The first goal was definitely mine, whatever Jeff says! Garry Shephard

Roger Freestone was deceived in goal as former Cardiff man Jeff Eckhardt closed in. The goal was awarded to the striker by the stadium announcer, but it seemed to have gone in directly from Shephard's kick.

Flynn's men were shocked into action and their leading scorer, James Thomas, went close after being put one-on-one with County keeper Pat Mountain.

Mountain then pulled off an excellent reaction save from Jamie Wood, but the striker took revenge moments later, dummying inside the covering defence and curling the ball into the far corner.

The home side kept their composure, though, and with the half-hour mark approaching some lovely build-up work saw Shephard lay the ball on for Ryan Ashington who slid it home.

Eckhardt was causing all sorts of problems for the Swansea defence as the Nationwide league side lurched into the half-time break a goal down.

I think I proved a few points to people at Swansea Peter Nicholas

The ineffective Kevin Nugent was replaced by Steve Watkin for the second period as the visitors sought to put some spark into their attacks.

Their pressure increased, but quality was lacking and in the 66th minute John Williams was brought on for James Thomas.

The veteran striker went close with an effort just two minutes later as the Swans threw caution to the wind, replacing defender Lee Jenkins with Craig Stiens.

With the men in white piling forward a breakaway goal was the predictable result, and in the 79th minute it was that man Shephard who had the pace to outstrip the ponderous defence.

Newport's leading scorer had the composure to take the ball to Freestone before calmly firing it under the big keeper.

To compound the visitors' woes, defender Alan Tate was carried off moments from the end after a heavy Newport challenge.

After the match Shephard commented: "The first goal was definitely mine, whatever Jeff says!

"We knew the job that had to be done and we went out and did it."

Peter Nicholas said: "I think I proved a few points to people at Swansea.

"It meant a lot to the club financially and it's just great to beat a league club."

Teams - Newport: Pat Mountain, Chris Collins, Steve Benton, Billy Clark, Andrew Thomas, Nathan Davies, Matt Rose (capt), Mike Fowler, Jeff Eckhardt, Garry Shephard, Ryan Ashington.

Swansea: Roger Freestone, Lee Jenkins (Craig Stiens 78), Jason Smith (capt), Andrew Mumford, James Thomas (John Williams 66), Paul Reid, Alan Tate, Kevin Nugent (Steve Watkin 45), Terry Evans, Jamie Wood, Leon Britton.

Ref: Phil Southall (Port Talbot)