Jarvis looks to kick on after first EFL goal

Cole Jarvis says scoring his first Football League goal for Newport "means everything" after a career proving himself at every level. The 25-year-old came off the bench to score in Saturday's 5-3 Severnside derby defeat to Bristol Rovers, heading home just five minutes after replacing Christian Doidge in his first League Two appearance of the season. The goal marked another milestone in Jarvis' "upwards trajectory", which has taken him from Merthyr Town's academy, through the Welsh football pyramid and now into the EFL. "For somebody like me who's never come through the academy set-up and has always had to prove myself, it's a massive achievement," said Jarvis. "My family and I are so proud; it means everything. "But it's not the end there. We look for more, we strive for more, and we strive to be better." Having scored seven times for Merthyr in the first-half of last season, Jarvis made the move to Newport in January, but admits transitioning to full-time football is "a challenge". "I came in at a difficult time," he said. "It's not an opportunity you can turn down, and I felt I was ready for it. "It was a tough end to the season, but we've got something great going on now, so we keep building." After making 11 substitute appearances under former boss Christian Fuchs, Jarvis feels the arrival of Hayden Mullins has brought renewed optimism to the group. Mullins deployed Jarvis as a makeshift striker at Rovers in the absence of James Crole and Jed Garner, and the versatile midfielder is happy to embrace his new role. "I'm really invested in him. I feel like we can do something really good together as a group," said Jarvis. "I want to be on the pitch. I'll do whatever it takes for the team. Whatever scenario or position I'm in, I'm there to give 100%." And Mullins, who likened Jarvis' versatility to his own playing days, was pleased to see him score a goal straight from the training ground. "Alfie [Merritt] went down the left, crossed it and Cole finished with his head, so it stuck in our heads from there," he said. [Huw Evans Picture Agency] Despite the defeat, Jarvis described the Bristol Rovers match as the "biggest derby" he has been a part of, with his elation at scoring clear to see. His family and friends were among those watching, but there was little opportunity to savour his "excellent" heading moment as the Exiles were hungry for more. "I didn't get to celebrate properly in front of the fans because I had to pick up the ball and run back to the centre circle," he said. "My family were there. They loved it, I loved it, but we'll have one day where we can celebrate properly." Jarvis will be hoping that opportunity arrives on Saturday when Newport host Tranmere, and the former Martyrs man insisted there is nowhere he would rather be than Rodney Parade. "It's the best place to be. The fans are so supportive, they're very passionate, and we can't thank them enough."