Long trip for Exiles to finish campaign
BRUNTON PARK 3pm CARLISLE v NEWPORT
NEWPORT County wrap up their League Two campaign with a marathon trip to Carlisle United this afternoon.
The Exiles know a victory at Brunton Park will not only cement a top-half finish, but also see them achieve their highest points tally in the five seasons since returning to the Football League.
Mike Flynn’s side sit 11th on 63 points, with the previous best tally of 65 set in 2014/15 under Justin Edinburgh and Jimmy Dack within their grasp.
Despite some slight disappointment that they were not able to secure themselves a play-off place, it is still a remarkable turnaround compared with last year, when Newport went into the last minute of the season still battling to avoid relegation.
Adding to their incredible FA Cup run which ended ina trip to Wembley to face Tottenham, it has been some 12 months at Rodney Parade.
Ahead of their final-day trip to Carlisle, boss Flynn said: “It’s massively important for myself personally.
“There are three points on the game and we’ll give it our best efforts to hopefully finish in the top half.
“There will be a few fans going up – they will probably have the weekend there I’m sure – because it’s too far to go on the day.
“I want to end the season on a positive and I’m going there to finish with all three points.”
Victory today would also take Newport level on points with ninth-placed Carlisle, although the Cumbrians have a far superior goal difference.
It will also mark a final match in charge for United boss Keith Curle, who has decided to step down after almost four seasons at the helm.
The reverse fixture between these two sides resulted in a thrilling 3-3 draw at Rodney Parade in early December in a topsy-turvy game where County led 1-0 at the break and then had to battle back from behind twice.
Meanwhile, left-back Dan Butler is set to make his 100th appearance in a Newport County shirt this afternoon.
The 23-year-old has been one of the mainstays of the side since arriving in the summer of 2016.
“I think Dan deserves it,” said Flynn. “He’s had a few tough times while with the football club where a lot of other players would have folded and given up.
“He’s shown that strength of character and he’s improved endlessly this season.
“Dan has been excellent and it’s a credit to him.”