Saturday sees Newport County AFC return to league action at Rodney Parade after their midweek cup success. Cambridge United are the visitors to South Wales this time, as County look to put last weeks’ disappointment at Plymouth behind them.
Here, you can find all the facts and statistics ahead of this League Two matchup...
Cambridge United in League Two so far
Cambridge United currently occupy 16th spot in League Two with 35 points from 31 games.
In their last game, United beat Colchester at home to halt a run of six games without a win.
The U’s also defeated high flying Exeter at home by four goals to nil.
One to Watch – Sam Smith
Not to be confused with the singer, Smith has certainly hit the right notes for Cambridge this season.
United’s top scorer, the 21-year-old is currently on seven goals in his 25 league matches, with one goal also coming in the FA Cup.
The Englishman is currently on loan from Reading in the Championship, experiencing his first full season in league football.
Not a bad return from the youngster.
Manager – Mark Bonner
Mark Bonner has taken interim charge of Cambridge after the departure of Colin Calderwood after a 4-0 home loss to Salford at the end of January.
In Bonner’s first match in charge, United came out on top by beating Colchester 2-1.
This is Bonner’s first dive into being a head coach, after being assistant manager to Calderwood.
It is likely that after United’s match next week against Scunthorpe, a new permanent boss will be appointed by Cambridge
Last Meeting Between the Sides
The last meet earlier this season, in just the second game of the season, saw both sides play out a 0-0 draw.
Padraig Amond, Danny McNamara and Joss Labadie had chances for Newport, while Jabo Ibehre and Luke Hannant fired wide for the hosts.
Robbie Willmott was also denied by keeper Dimitar Mitov late on, meaning both sides had to settle for a point.
Officials
Referee: Lee Swabey
Assistant Referee 1: Ollie Williams
Assistant Referee 2: Lisa Rashid
Fourth Official: Sam Allison
Lee Swabey is currently in his fifth season as a Football League referee and has already officiated at Rodney Parade twice this season alone, the 2-0 loss to Exeter and the 1-1 draw with Leyton Orient.
So far this season, Swabey has taken charge of 23 games, producing 79 yellow cards and 5 reds.
This follows on from last season where he refereed 30 games, handing out 110 yellow cards and 8 red cards.
Other League Two fixtures that afternoon (All 3pm kick-offs)
Bradford City v Grimsby Town
Carlisle United v Swindon Town
Colchester United v Plymouth Argyle
Crewe Alexandra v Oldham Athletic
Exeter City v Stevenage FC
Forest Green Rovers v Walsall FC
Leyton Orient v Macclesfield Town
Morecambe FC v Mansfield Town
Northampton Town v Port Vale
Salford City v Crawley Town
Scunthorpe United v Cheltenham Town
Can’t make the match?
You can follow along on social media using @NewportCounty on Twitter, or via the Club’s official Facebook and Instagram pages.
Commentary of this match will be provided by Charlie Brown and Richard Shepherd at the Match Centre from 2:45pm.
An on-the-whistle match report of this match will be provided on the Club website upon the end of the game.
Michael Flynn’s post-match analysis will appear on the website the day after the game, while you can watch all of Flynn’s post-match press conference as-well as two County players by subscribing to iFollow Exiles now.