Buoyant County leap back into a League Two attrition this Saturday when section top-dogs Walsall prowl Rodney Parade (3:00pm kick-off).
Newport have triumphed in four out of their last five battles – including a dramatic 4-3 Emirates FA Cup spot-kick shoot-out to deck fancied Gillingham last weekend, this after the tie was locked 2-2 after extra time.
David Hughes warriors’ now head to National Conference Boreham Wood for a second round Sunday date in early December – a tie that has lured the BBC Two and TNT Sports One cameras to south Hertfordshire, banking the Exiles at least £60,000 in fees.
At least £145,000 will be bagged from the FA Cup fund, if Newport grab a third round ticket, in addition to another pot of gold if County draw a big Premiership fish away.
But pragmatic Hughes is keeping his focus firmly on the clash with the promotion-seeking Sadlers, a side 11 points and 23 rungs above Newport on the League Two ladder.
Walsall have the tightest defence in the division, towering ex-Bristol City skipper Aden Flint at the heart of their defensive blueprint, yet have wobbled of late, securing just one point from their last nine available.
Hughes reflected, “At this moment in time, Saturday [and Walsall] is important. We can’t plan ahead until we’ve gone through what’s immediately in front of us. All our attention is on Walsall,”
Hughes calls on the Amber Army to roar his troops home against the west Midlanders booming, “The fans were outstanding last Saturday, [at Rodney Parade], especially in the second half and extra time. It’s our responsibility to give them something to cheer about again. We’re excited by the challenge of the top team coming here, and we’ve prepared to focus on ourselves while paying them the respect they deserve.”
Borrowed Swansea schemer Ben Lloyd continues to impress with his energy and athleticism and Hughes acknowledged, “His [Lloyd’s]physical output is incredible. His meters per minute, accelerations, and decelerations are staggering. He’s been exceptional since coming back into the team. Every time we play, his energy has to be evident.”
Hughes feels the cup win over Gillingham showcased his team’s resilience and mentality.
Highlighting composure shown during the penalty shootout against the stunned Gills, he said,. “When they equalised late on, the group refocused and stayed calm. Courtney Baker-Richardson and Cameron Antwi showed outstanding resilience with their penalties.”
There is positive injury news ahead of the weekend. Lee Jenkins is expected to be fit but will undergo a last-minute physio check to ensure the gash sustained against Gillingham is fully healed. Quick-silver raider Nathaniel Opoku remains under treatment with parent club Leicester but is progressing well in his recovery, left-back Tom Davies on the brink of a return too.
Watch the full press conference below and grab your tickets for Saturday’s showdown HERE.
