Football Ricoh a big attraction for Exiles

HAVE boots, will travel – that’s the philosophy of Coventry City’s next opponents Newport County, who will be playing their third away game in a row when they visit the Ricoh Arena tomorrow.

The Sky Blues return home after being on the road last weekend against Grimsby Town, something Saturday’s visitors are all too familiar with.

Newport have had to play both of their League Two games away from Rodney Parade this season, because of ongoing groundwork at the 7,850 capacity stadium.

County share their ground with rugby sides Dragons and Newport RFC, and the venue is being revamped, including the installation of a new pitch.

As a result, Newport will continue to play away from home until August 26, meaning they will travel to Elland Road for a Carabao Cup second-round clash with Leeds United, despite being drawn at home.

Michael Flynn’s men are unbeaten so far following draws at Stevenage and Crewe Alexandra in League Two, and overcoming thirdtier club Southend United in the first round of the Carabao Cup.

Speaking ahead of their trip to the Ricoh Arena, County defender Mickey Demetriou told the South Wales Argus: “The boys have done three big away games so there has been a lot of travelling on the road but we can’t do anything about that.

“We need to take that on the chin and thankfully Coventry is not that far, so we will recharge our batteries this week and work hard in training.

“Coventry is a big game against a big club and we need to be more ruthless and take our chances in front of goal.”

Meanwhile Newport star Robbie Willmott is excited by his side’s trip to the Ricoh, saying: “It’s a ground you want to play in every week.”

Willmott returned to Newport this summer after two years playing non-league football and the versatile midfielder, is set to savour the Exiles’ trip to the Ricoh.

Speaking to iFollow Exiles, Willmott said: “Coventry is a massive club. [Watching] as a boy they were in the Premiership, so they are a big club with a big support.

“The Ricoh is a ground that you want to play in every week if you can, so for us going there it’s going to be great.”