Wellens writes off County’s title hopes

SALFORD City boss Richie Wellens must have been unhappy with his side’s 3-0 FA Cup drubbing at Rodney Parade last weekend because he didn’t leave without taking a swipe at Newport County’s promotion credentials.

Wellens, a former team mate at Blackpool of County manager Michael Flynn, led Swindon Town to the League Two title last season before joining ambitious Salford. As top-of-the-table County prepare for a tough trip to fourth placed Forest Green Rovers tonight, they might reflect on Wellens’ words.

“I haven’t seen too many games in the league, but if I was comparing Newport to a Swindon last year or to a Plymouth or Crewe I would say they are nowhere near the level, nowhere near,” said Wellens.

“It was hard to tell if they are the best team in the league because you were looking at players going up against young kids. But we aren’t concentrating on Newport because we have got Carlisle and Barrow away this week.

“You don’t win the league in November or December. Winter is coming and this is when you see the character of the players – they are the months that are so important if you are going to win leagues.”

Flynn has to take his side to Salford on 15 December and the touch-paper has now already been lit for that game. County may currently be three points clear at the top, but they know there is still a long, long way to go before the promotion tickets get handed out.

The statistics show the Exiles have a good record at The New Lawn. They were 2-0 winners on their last visit at the start of the 2019/20 season, drew 1-1 in October 2018 and 4-0 in October 2017.

“Forest Green away is going to be a tough one because they have started well. They are always there or thereabouts in the top half, so it will be a difficult game,” said Flynn.

“There will be no let-up from us. I’ve got a great bunch of lads and they showed in the cup win over Salford that we’ve got a good squad as well. They are a good group and that’s what we have worked towards, to get the right characters in.”

A first goal for the club from Jamie Proctor launched the victory last weekend and two other strikers, Padraig Amond and Saikou Janneh came on to score and complete the rout. Getting his selection right, and ensuring he can hang on to loan stars Jamie Devitt and Proctor beyond January, are now the biggest problems Flynn faces.

One of the main threats from Forest Green could be former County strikers Jamille Matt and Aaron Collins. They have seven league goals between them.