MARK Cooper paid tribute to his Swindon Town troops after they rallied to drag themselves through to the second round of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, despite losing their only available striker less than two hours before kick-off against Newport County.

The Town manager confirmed that Michael Smith’s move to League One rivals Barnsley, which is an initial loan until January with a view to a permanent transfer, was only rubber-stamped shortly before 6pm.

And with Jon Obika and Jermaine Hylton sidelined with injury and Miles Storey and Josh Cooke out on loan, Cooper was forced to play Fabien Robert as a false nine against Newport County but by hook or by crook, his team got themselves through, winning 7-6 on penalties after drawing 1-1 in 90 minutes.

Asked when Smith’s move to Barnsley was sorted out, Cooper said: “About ten to six.

“It was between me, the physio (Paul Godfrey) and the coach driver as to who was going to play up front. We all lost out to Fab.

“You’ve got to go and play, haven’t you? We never complain – we just get on with it.

“That’s the situation we were in tonight and it was a little bit odd but the boys did themselves justice, there was a brilliant following from the supporters tonight and we gave them something to shout about.

“It was good because we had to play without a recognised striker and we dominated all of possession without creating many chances.

“Obviously, we scored a brilliant goal in the first half but the longer it goes when you play without a striker, they can get themselves higher up the pitch, as they did in the second half.

“A bit of a slip from (James) Brophy cost a goal but he did well.

“And I’m pleased that we got through and probably deserved to win.

“I thought possession-wise, we were really good but when you’re playing without a striker and Lee Marshall out on the right, who’s a midfield player; we were really hampered for options tonight.

“But the boys put a real good effort in and got the club into the next round.”

Youngster Will Randall scored the decisive spot-kick after Tyrell Belford had saved from Aaron Collins.

Newport’s Collins had earlier levelled the scores in the second period to cancel out Anton Rodgers’ superb opener.