Birthday boy Lewis aims for a party at Wembley
ALL Lewis Collins wants for his 20th birthday on Sunday is a goal the day before to keep Newport County on track for a return to Wembley.
The Wales U21 striker had made himself very much at home in the County front line in recent weeks and is all set to be given a fifth consecutive start at Southend this weekend when Michael Flynn’s men go in search of the point they need to make the play-offs.
Last time County went to Wembley, for the 2019 League Two play-off final, Collins was the 19th man in the party. He got the suit, warmed up on the hallowed turf, but then saw his side lose to Tranmere in extra time.
But the heartbreak felt by the then 18-year-old Newport born-and-bred player has mere made the current squad stronger and Collins in particular all the more determined to make up for that near miss.
“It was hard losing at Wembley and then we had to write off last season as well on the back of the Covid outbreak. We led the way for much of the first half of this season and we could have been crowned champions,” said Collins.
“But we fell away a bit at the start of the New Year, although now we are right back in it.
“We know what we’ve got to do at Southend this weekend and I’m hoping there is plenty to celebrate on my birthday.
“I was out of action for five months before we went to Wembley in 2019 and I was extremely grateful to the manager for including me in the group that went there. It was great being able to warm-up with the team on that pitch.
“I was only a second year scholar at the club then, but now I’m making my way in the side and looking to build on my recent performances. We feel we are in good form, have got some momentum and believe we can beat any team in this league.
“Wherever we finish in the play-off positions, if that’s the case, we’ll be confident of getting to Wembley and pushing for promotion to League One.”
He may have been the 19th man two years ago, but in the past month he has been one of the starting XI for Flynn that has remained unbeaten in the last four games and kept four clean sheets, including the 1-0 win over champions-elect Cheltenham Town at Rodney Parade last weekend.
“For me, everything is down to confidence. Everyone at the club has been so supportive of me and all I want to do is repay them with the best possible performances,” he added.
“I get a friendly arm around the shoulder at training to encourage me or to let me know when I need to do a bit more, and that has really helped. Let’s face it, what can I do in return other than play my best.
“i can hardly go up to Kevin Ellison and give him some footballing tips or friendly advice. He’s been a professional player long than I’ve been born!
“I’ve had to bide my time, get over some ankle problems and then make the most of my chances when they came along. I’ve enjoyed playing alongside Padraig Amond in recent weeks and I think we complement each other pretty well.”
That was evident in the win over Cheltenham as they hounded the hell out of the visiting defenders and showed some lovely touches in attack. Collins got in among the goals in the 4-0 win over Scunthorpe and would dearly love more at Southend to sign off his teenage years in style.