League matters test County after FA Cup heroics
BUOYED by their FA Cup heroics Newport County are back on the road in League Two this afternoon as they look to continue their push for the play-offs.
The club are currently riding the crest of a wave with last Sunday’s dramatic cup win over Leeds earning them a glamour tie – that will be televised – with Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspur in a fortnight’s time.
But before that, attention switches back to the league and there are three games and nine points to play for, starting with today’s trip to Blundell Park.
“It’s an exciting time to be involved with Newport and long may it continue,” said boss Mike Flynn.
“I can’t remember the last time it was this exciting at the football club if I’m honest.
“Momentum goes a long, long way in football and we definitely have that at the moment.”
County, 11th in the division, are just four points outside the play-off places while are also five clear of today’s opponents Grimsby.
The Mariners, meanwhile, managed by ex-Cardiff City boss Russell Slade, have hit a slump and are currently six without a win.
Padraig Amond’s goal was the difference between the two sides at Rodney Parade back in September while the striker has also netted in both of County’s last two league matches.
Despite Grimsby’s recent dip, Flynn is still expecting a real battle for his side.
He said: “It’s a tough place to go, they have some very good players and it was a very tough game down here.
“Russell as a manager has been there, seen it, done it so I’m sure he’s been in worse situations than this and pulled through.
“I’m hoping that they do it after Saturday, but I’ll be going there looking to get another three points.”
Flynn also said pulling Spurs out of the hat will certainly make his team talks easier for their upcoming league matches.
He continued: “If they don’t keep up to their good standards, then they risk losing their shirts for the Tottenham game. “That’s the team talk done really. “The league is our bread and butter.
“Grimsby will be a tough game and if we’re not up to it then we’ll get beaten.
“It’s as simple as that – I’m not getting carried away with anything because we need to be on our metal every game, game in game out.
“If any of them decide that they don’t fancy it because of what happened last week, then they won’t be in the team.
“Having said that, I don’t think I’ll get that because the boys have been superb.”