Skip to main content Skip to site footer
Match Previews

Preview: Newport County AFC (A)

31 December 2019

Match Previews

Preview: Newport County AFC (A)

31 December 2019

Sponsored by

A new decade begins for Cheltenham Town at Newport County's Rodney Parade on New Years Day (kick-off: 3pm).

The Robins start a new year looking to make it a positive one with a short trip across the Severn Bridge to last season's beaten League Two play-off finalists Newport.

Michael Duff's men make the journey boosted by a terrific run of away form. His team are ten unbeaten on the road and ended Northampton's recent winning home run with a 1-1 draw on Sunday.

In what is the first League meeting between the two clubs this season, Wednesday's challenge is a tricky one but will be a good test to begin 2020.

Team news

Alex Addai is unavailable as he starts his three game ban for his sending off at Northampton. Tahvon Campbell is likely to be involved again after the forward returned from injury off the bench against the Cobblers.

Rhys Lovett is back after illness but Luke Varney, Reuben Reid and Jonte Smith remain out.

Opposition

Wednesday's opponents are without a win in League Two since a mid-October victory over Scunthorpe United. They have recorded wins in the Leasing.com Trophy and FA Cup since then - with a third round trip to Millwall on the horizon three days after their game with Cheltenham.

Despite not winning in the league in nine games they find themselves 13th and nine points adrift of the play-off places. They finished in the play-offs last season, beating Mansfield Town in the semi-finals to secure a Wembley trip but couldn't quite make the final step up to League One, losing out against Tranmere Rovers.

Once again Padraig Amond is leading their scoring charts this season with 10 successful strikes for Michael Flynn's (pictured) side. The County manager, a former player at the club, has helped turn Newport into a team battling against the drop to one who have enjoyed success in the division but most notably in FA Cup competitions in recent times.

His side features Tom King in goal. He'll be looking forward to returning to his former club Millwall in a few days time with a defensive set-up that features the likes of Danny McNamara, who is himself on loan from Millwall, Mickey Demetriou and former Cheltenham loanee Ryan Inniss.

Further up the pitch in midfield both Joss Labadie and Scot Bennett are reliable members of their squad. 24-year-old Josh Sheehan is another who provides plenty of legs, while the experienced Matt Dolan and Bristol City loanee George Nurse are options in their midfield department too.

Up top Amond is a key figurehead but the presence of Jamille Matt is also imposing at the head of their attack. 20-year-old Tristan Abrahams is on their books while ex-Leeds United man Dominic Poleon is another they can turn to when looking to make an impact in the final third.

Last time at Rodney Parade

Last season's trip to Newport County took place in March 2019 and a single goal decided the clash.

The home side collected three points when Chris Hussey was unfortunate to score into his own net.

In response the Robins almost levelled when Will Boyle saw his header just drop the wrong side of the post, while Jamille Matt spurned a big opportunity for County when one-on-one with Scott Flinders.

Cheltenham's hopes of getting something from the game became harder with 15 minutes to go when Will Boyle was red carded. His ban would be overturned days later but it left the Welsh side in command and they went onto secure victory.

Watch the highlights from the game below:

Tickets

Tickets are available to buy on the day at Newport. Prices for entry are:

Adult £22
Senior (60+) £18
Young Adult (16-21)/Student £16
Under 16 £10
Under 12 £8
Under 6 (accompanied) Free

Supporters booked on the Travel Club coaches are advised that they leave from the Jonny-Rocks Stadium at 11.30am.

Coverage

Follow @CTFCofficial on Twitter for updates throughout the day and the latest on the match. You can also check out goal and score updates on the club's Facebook page.

The match is being streamed live on iFollow. A match pass is available for £10 if you want to watch the game at home or on the go.

After the full time whistle visit the club website to read a match report and to see reaction from manager Michael Duff.

Highlights will be available online via the club website too, as well as on the CTFC YouTube channel.


Advertisement block

iFollow Next Match Tickets Account