Let’s make Parade a fortress once more
MARK O’Brien hopes a return to “fortress” Rodney Parade can get Newport County back to winning ways when they host Northampton Town tonight.
Mike Flynn’s side lost 2-1 at Cheltenham Town on Saturday to drop to fifth place in League Two.
One positive for the Exiles was O’Brien’s presence in the side as he continued his recovery from injury to play the second half.
“No matter what time you play Northampton Town, they are always going to be a tough side to play against,” said O’Brien as he looked ahead to facing the Cobblers.
“They’ve just come down from League One and you always expect a tough game from a team relegated in the previous season. We know it’s them coming to our back yard and we know that on our day, in our stadium, with the fans behind us we’re capable of anything.
“We’ve shown that in the past and we’ve shown it this season as well. We know it’s going to be a tough game, but if we’re all at our best then hopefully we can grab the win.
“Anyone in any league wants to make their home a fortress. We know most teams who come to Rodney Parade don’t really fancy coming down to us.
“We’ve just got to keep that momentum up and give the opposition what they expect.”
O’Brien could start against Northampton after Flynn admitted he picked the wrong side at Cheltenham.
The 26-year-old defender – plus former Wales international Andrew Crofts – are both nearing full fitness which would represent a huge boost to Flynn.
“Crofty and I have both sat around and bided our time waiting for the chance to return,” O’Brien said.
“I’ve been slightly unlucky with my injury because it kept reoccurring at times where I felt I was playing well and getting a run in the team.
“Crofty’s back now which is a real positive and we’ll be looking to get a few more lads back as well.
“It’s a really busy period for the team so we’ll need more depth within the squad and hopefully we’ll be a stronger outfit for it.”
Despite their defeat at Cheltenham, Newport didn’t drop too far down the table and are still in the play-off spots approaching a busy run of Christmas fixtures.
“I’ve been building things back up in training, managed to get 90 minutes in the CheckaTrade against Plymouth, then another 45 away at Met Police FC,” O’Brien said.
“I’ve done my recovery more to the book this time around whereby I’m building it back up in training, doing my strength work, and I’m feeling better for it.” ■ BOBBY Grant wants to hit the ground running with new team Wrexham when they face Barrow at Holker Street tonight.
Grant has joined Sam Ricketts’ side on a one-month loan deal from Fleetwood Town and hopes to go straight into contention for what would be his first appearance for the club.
Wrexham will be looking to bounce back from their first defeat in 12 matches – a 2-0 reversal to Leyton Orient – when they take on Barrow.
“It’s the manager’s choice. If he thinks I’m ready to be selected, then great and I’ll give it everything I’ve got at Barrow,” said Grant.
“If he doesn’t, then for me it’s all about helping the team and going to Barrow and bouncing back from what was a disappointing result at the weekend.
“I’ll play wherever the manager wants me. My best seasons have come when I’ve played coming in off the right hand side of a threeman attack, but I’ll do whatever I can to benefit the team.”