Ahead of Newport County's trip to Cheltenham Town on Saturday 24 October (12:45 BST), boss Hayden Mullins has shed further light on talisman Shaquille Gwengwe's three-match suspension.

Gwengwe, who has scored six goals this season, was due to start up front when County travelled to face Rotherham United on Tuesday night.

But while en route to South Yorkshire, the club received confirmation from the Football Association (FA) that the striker had been suspended.

Mullins described the punishment as "harsh", with details of the incident remaining largely unknown after it went unnoticed by match officials during Newport's draw with York City.

The FA said the offence occurred in the 66th minute and, speaking to BBC Sport Wales ahead of the trip to Cheltenham, Mullins revealed it was for kicking out at an opposition player.

According to the Newport boss, Gwengwe only reacted after being wrestled to the ground. Having already served one game of the ban, he remains unavailable for fixtures against Cheltenham and Chesterfield in League Two.

"I didn't see it. I don't think the game was stopped over it. It was puzzling to me," said Mullins.

"They said he kicked the player. He does kick out, [but] he got wrestled to the ground and then as he fell on his back, his leg made an action towards the player.

"How hard the contact is I don't think anyone knows apart from the player.

"It doesn't look like it's punishable for three matches. Maybe it's the intent, I'm not too sure.

"I think if he'd elbowed someone off the ball or done something really tough then I get it, but to go back, review it and then give him three games was pretty tough for all of us really."

The suspension was undoubtedly a tough pill to swallow for Mullins but it has not disrupted the Exiles' momentum as they are now nine unbeaten in all competitions.

In fact Gwengwe's absence at the very least highlighted the strength of Newport's attacking options.

Striker Kion Etete made his mark against York, before Ged Garner grabbed his first goal of the season at Rotherham on Tuesday night.

In Gwengwe's absence, Garner seized his opportunity. Starting as the number nine he scored on his first League Two start of the season helping Newport earn a 2-2 draw with the Millers.

According to Mullins, the goal and performance were a reward for the hard work the striker has been putting in behind the scenes.

"Ged's worked really hard and he's applying all the bits that we're asking him to do. He played in the two [EFL Trophy] games, scored against Swindon and did well against Plymouth.

"He deserved his start. Keon came on and scored. [James] Croley is coming back and there's genuine competition up top. It's really good for me.

"Whoever's got the shirt has got to perform now.

"I'm not telling them they've got to, but they're looking over at the bench and seeing two or three guys waiting to come on.

"You've got to run and do whatever you can while you've got the shirt. It's really pleasing for Ged."

And it is not just in attack where competition is fierce.

Midfielder Harrison Biggins recently described a "real fight for the shirt" across the pitch and, despite injuries beginning to bite, several players have stepped up when called upon.

Another of those is Matt Smith.

The midfielder has made six League Two appearances all as a subsitute. But that is largely due to the form of Ciaran Brennan and Matt Dibley-Dias.

Brennan currently leads League Two for tackles with 40, while Dibley-Dias ranks among the division's top 20 despite making two fewer appearances.

Smith entered at half-time in both the York and Rotherham matches with Newport trailing and played a significant role in helping the Exiles fight back to draws.

"We've been on a long unbeaten run which is tough for players trying to break into the team," said Mullins.

"It's been really tough. Matt's been patient and he's come on in the last couple of games at half-time and done really well.

"The team's needed him, he's been there and he's that type of player. He's whole-hearted, he's here for the lads and he's a big part of what we do.

"It's a testament to what he's doing on and off the pitch, looking after himself and making sure that when he's ready to come in. His levels are right up there.

"We just hope that when his time comes he can grab the shirt and keep hold of it."

Whether Smith or Garner start this weekend at the EV Charger Point Stadium remains to be seen, but having options to turn to is a welcome boost for Mullins as the injury list continues to grow.