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Match Previews

Preview: Newport County AFC (H)

12 November 2019

Match Previews

Preview: Newport County AFC (H)

12 November 2019

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It's a big night in the Leasing.com Trophy for Cheltenham Town as fellow League Two side Newport County AFC visit the Jonny-Rocks Stadium (kick-off: 7.45pm).

Michael Duff's side have a good chance of progressing to the second round stage if they can record a positive result against their Welsh opponents, who themselves need to win if they are to keep their hopes alive of getting through.

Exeter City host West Ham United under-21s in the other match in Southern Section Group E on Wednesday, which will decide how the group finally ends up, but the Robins will be aiming to do a job tonight to put themselves in a good position to qualify for the next stage.

Team news

Forward Reuben Reid is expected to play a part on his return from knee surgery in the summer. It will be the strikers first involvement in a competitive first team game after completing 45 minutes for the reserve team last Tuesday in a win over Reading.

It's unlikely Tahvon Campbell and Josh Debayo will feature but there may be more game time for Max Sheaf after he came on as a substitute last weekend against Swindon Town.

Captain Ben Tozer could feature against his former club if he is selected.

With a League Two game to come up against Exeter City on Saturday and next Tuesday's FA Cup replay with Swindon Town, Michael Duff will be looking to manage his team and utilise his squad.

Opposition

Tonight's visitors still have an opportunity to progress into the knockout stages despite being bottom of the group. They need to win and hope other results fall in their favour if they are to make it to the next stage of the competition.

They've lost both of their games so far - a dramatic 5-4 home loss to West Ham United under-21s in September, and then a 2-0 home loss in October to current group leaders Exeter City.

They'll be hoping to make an impact on the group with a positive result this evening. They'll also see it as a chance to get back to winning ways having not recorded a victory in either league or cup since a 2-1 win over Scunthorpe United on 19 October.

They drew 1-1 with Grimsby Town on Saturday in the FA Cup first round so will travel to Lincolnshire for a replay next week.

In the Leasing.com Trophy so far they've used usual number two goalkeeper Nick Townsend, while 17-year-old academy product Ellis Watts has started both of their group games so far.

Charlton Athletic loanee Taylor Maloney could be involved tonight, former Cheltenham loanee Ryan Inniss may also play a part, and the leadership of midfield man Matt Dolan could prove important for the younger members of their squad gaining exposure in the competition.

Managed by Michael Flynn, who is now under contract until the summer of 2022 after guiding County to the League Two play-off final last season, he has been in charge since the start of a caretaker spell in March 2017 where a remarkable turnaround in form earned him the permanent role in south Wales.

Last season in the same competition

A penalty shootout victory in last season's Checkatrade Trophy saw Cheltenham progress to the third round of the competition last time the two clubs met in this competition.

With both teams having managed to get through their respective group stages they met in the knockout rounds, and after a 1-1 draw it was Cheltenham who went through thanks to a penalty shootout win.

Padraig Amond scored in the first half to give Newport the lead, but Alex Addai struck with an acrobatic finish to ensure the game would head straight for penalties.

Michael Duff's side successfully netted all seven of their spot kicks to come out in the shootout as 7-6 winners. Mark Harris saw his penalty saved by Scott Flinders to complete a second round win for the Robins.

Revisit that game last season with the highlights:

Tickets

Tickets are available on the turnstiles this evening. The Autovillage Stand, Paddock and sections of the Colin Farmer Stand will be open to Cheltenham supporters.

Prices for this evening's game are £6 for adults and £4 for concessions.

The ticket office will be open tonight for fans wanting to purchase tickets and away travel for Saturday's match at Exeter City and for other upcoming home fixtures. The club shop will also be open before the game selling CTFC merchandise in the lead up to Christmas.

Coverage

Follow tonight's game on social media by checking out @CTFCofficial on Twitter. You can see minute by minute updates during the game, team news before kick-off and in game photos by following, while on Facebook you can also see the club's page for team news and score updates.

Post-match check out the club website to read a match report looking back at the game and to watch reaction from manager Michael Duff.

Highlights will also be available on the club's YouTube channel and iFollow, while you can watch the whole game with a match pass on iFollow tonight too.


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