After two exceptional back-to-back performances at Rodney Parade that saw us score seven goals, grab three points, and book ourselves a match with Premier League opposition in the League Cup, we turn to Crewe.
Manager Graham Coughlan assured the press on Saturday that his team would be keeping their feet on the ground and turning their attention to the next game. There are no new injuries or suspensions for the gaffer to worry about ahead of Tuesday’s encounter, and with several players in fine-form, Coughlan will have some tough decisions to make.
Will Evans and Seb Palmer-Houlden will look to cause the Crewe defence problems. The duo are both in fine form, with Evans hitting three in his last two games and Palmer-Houlden netting twice.
The Exiles have been in free-scoring mode since last Tuesday night, hitting the net seven times. Travelling fans will hope they can continue this when they arrive at The Mornflake Stadium, a venue that we took three points at last season.
Manager’s Comments
Graham Coughlan said "It's always a tough encounter when you go to Crewe, they're a technical team - but we are a very fit side.
"I will be asking the lads to go again and ask for more of the same. I wasn't happy the last time we played them here (Rodney Parade), we should've secured the win, but we conceeded late on, that will be on the forefront of my mind I'm sure."
Opposition Form
Crewe have made an unbeaten start to their campaign so far, drawing both of their League Two matches and beating Sunderland on penalties away from home in the cup.
Lee Bell has put together a resilient team, with the Railway Men coming back from two goals down in both their opening League Two fixtures. They welcomed Mansfield in the opening game of the season, going 2-0 down in the first 30 minutes following a brace from Davis Keillor-Dunn. Goals from former Exile Mickey Demetriou and Rio Adebisi would rescue a point.
Adebisi would also grab the equaliser in their last outing away at Swindon. The club found themselves in a similar situation, only for goals from Williams and Adebisi to rescue them again.
They have proven themselves to be a tough team to beat at The Mornflake Stadium, having not lost at the ground since February 7th when Leyton Orient were 2-0 winners.
Ticket Info
Ticket prices for our trip to Crewe are as follows:
|
Age Band |
Prices |
|
Adult |
£27 |
|
Senior 65+ |
£21 |
|
Young Adult 17-19 |
£21 |
|
Young Person 12-17 |
£13 |
|
Under 12 |
£7.50 |
You can purchase tickets online here.
Exiles can watch the game live using iFollow. Find out more information about the service here.
Last Time Out
We welcomed Crewe to Rodney Parade on the last day of last season in what was a thoroughly entertaining end-of-season shoot-out.
With both teams having comfortable mid-table positions wrapped up, players were willing to take a more attacking approach to the action. Crewe grabbed the lead through Adebisi but was pegged back by a Bogle penalty in the 77th minute. Bogle would be on the mark again, scoring in the 91st minute with a goal that looked to have secured the three points.
Crewe were not to be outdone, though, and they managed to find a 93rd-minute equaliser through Lachlan Brook to take a point back to the Mornflake.
Head to Head
We have taken Crewe nine times in recent years, picking up four to the opposition’s two. The remaining five matches have been a draw. We have won two of our last four visits to Gresty Road, including our dramatic 2-1 victory over the club last season.
Played for Both
One man that will need no introduction to Newport fans on Tuesday night is former captain Mickey Demetriou. Demetriou arrived at Rodney Parade in 2017 after spells with Shrewsbury Town and Cambridge United and made an instant impact.
He would go on to make 300 appearances for us, a record since our return to the football league, earning himself a spot in the heart of Exiles fans. He left the club this Summer to make the move to Crewe, and he will no doubt receive a warm reception from the travelling contingent.
Of our current squad, Offrande Zanzala, the man that grabbed the winner at The Mornflake Stadium spent a period of time in Cheshire. Zanzala played five times for the Railway Men during a brief spell in 2020/21.