Newport County take a break from league action on Saturday when they entertain Braintree Town at Spytty Park in the third qualifying round of the FA Trophy.
After opening up an eight point gap at the top of the Blue Square South, County will be looking for a successful cup run after their failure at the same stage in the FA Cup last month.
Their opponents are currently seventh in the Blue Square South and only one point of the play-offs; Braintree will, therefore, present a challenge to high-flying County, having only lost one match on their travels this season.
Confidence is in abundance at Spytty Park following Sunday’s 2-0 defeat of Bromley. It took time to break down their well organised visitors, but Danny Rose struck the opening goal when Scott Rogers found him in space on top of the penalty area, and his powerful strike found the bottom-right corner. The points were confirmed in stoppage time when Ashan Holgate weaved wonderfully well into space down the right flank, and his cross found Kerry Morgan who’s diving header sealed the win.
With a testing match in prospect, County will look to their home form to see them into the first round proper and the incentive of drawing one of the major clubs in the Blue Square Premier. The likes of Oxford United, Luton Town, York City or Cambridge United could be install should the Welsh club overcome Braintree on Saturday, ko. 3pm.
There sad news for Newport followers this week, however, with the news that Richard Walden, who played for the club during the glory years of the late 1970’s and early 80’s, passed away. “Rolls Royce”, as Walden was known, had been suffering from myeloid leukaemia and was considered the best right-back to have ever played for County. Sympathies go to his wife and family.
By Alex Winter
