Newport County boss Hayden Mullins says his side can take "no consolation" from their 2-1 defeat by Crystal Palace Under-21s after exiting the EFL Trophy.

The Exiles were beaten by the young Eagles at Rodney Parade, ending their unbeaten home run, after goals from Jasper Judd and David Angibeaud.

Palace will advance to the final 32 of the competition for the first time in their history, as they sit top of Southern Group E, though Plymouth have one game left.

Newport finished third with four points from three games.

"We attacked this game trying to win it. The two previous games against Swindon and Plymouth were the same," said Mullins.

"We made rotations, and we did well in the two games. Today was no different. We wanted to go through; there's no consolation.

"We found it tough at times in the first half, and we ended up getting beat, so fair play to Crystal Palace.

"We're disappointed to exit; it was a competition we wanted to stay in and try to carry on building momentum like we've done all season."

Mullins, who started his football career at Crystal Palace, also praised the visitors for their pragmatic performance against his side.

The 47-year-old made 11 changes from the side that swept aside Chesterfield 4-1 last time out and extended their home unbeaten run.

James Crole was one of those brought into the lineup, as he started for the first time since County secured survival on the final day of last season at Barrow.

The former Penybont striker bagged the equaliser for the Exiles early in the second half, to the delight of his manager.

"James has worked extremely hard to get back into good shape to really attack and give himself an opportunity to get into the team," said Mullins.

"He's come in and done really well. I'm sure he will be happy with what he's done tonight, and equally, as a club, we share that with him."