On the 15th of April Newport County AFC host Hartlepool United for SkyBet League Two matchday at Rodney Parade.
On Saturday Newport County AFC will host Hartlepool. Hartlepool have recently come into a sweet run of form, not losing a match since County last visited the Suit Direct Stadium in late February, after a last-minute header from Skipper Mickey Demetriou, saw County come away with all three points. It seems that the appointment of manager John Askey is working for the pools, who have accumulated an 8-match unbeaten run. Looking to put a halt to this run of good form, is Graham Coughlan’s Newport County, who will be looking to bounce back after a rather out of character 4-0 loss away to Stockport County, last time out. Before that fixture County had gone 6 games unbeaten and will be looking to rekindle this kind of run, starting on Saturday.
Looking towards the match, County Manager Graham Coughlan said, “the challenge now, for the lads is to react, Northampton reacted on Monday from the defeat, they bounced back and responded on Monday, we got beat on Monday, now I’m expecting us to bounce back on Saturday.”
When asked on expectations of Hartlepool, the Gaffer said “They’re on the front foot, they get bodies forward, they do gamble, I’m guessing their mantra is ‘fortune favours the brave’ they need points, so they have to go for it.” He added. “It will be a real tough game for us, we know that, we know what they’re all about, they’re vibrant… at the end of the day, we’ve got to take care of our own business, we’ve got to look at our own side of things and if the roles were reversed, I dare say Hartlepool or any other team wouldn’t feel sorry for us or allow us away with anything, so we’ve got to be at it.”
That’s on the pitch, now what about off it?
In the build up to tomorrow’s fixture we have a whole load of things happening!
Our FanZone and Marquee opens at 12pm with FunZone activities commencing from 13:30pm. We’ll have Newport City Radio in, running various activities which gives you the chance to ask any burning questions you have for County players, meet, and grab selfies too!
There will be live music from the fantastic Midnight Crisis!
There will be a bucket collection around the ground in aid of Jason Bowen, a former County player who was sadly recently diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease, the proceeds of this collection will go to MND.
There will be a Bouncy Castle, provided by R&N Inflatables, Sweets and various confectionery from the Welsh Sweet Company, the early kick-off will be on the big screen and if that’s not enough, you might catch a glimpse of Spytty who will be making a surprise appearance throughout!
We look forward to seeing you tomorrow, Exiles!