Newport County will look to end their worst home run in 5 and a half years against a side who have been a boogie team in recent years in the form of Salford City at Rodney Parade.
Not since the year of the great escape have County had a worse run at home than now. We lost 8 consecutive games at home between November 2016 and January 2017 under Graham Westley. (credit to Stephen Howell for that stat.) Rodney Parade has been a fortress over the past 4 years under previous management and its time to draw up the drawbridge if we are to be successful this season.
We're seeing a bit of a hangover from the poor form that seen us miss out on the play offs last season. The last time we had back to back wins was all the way back in March in which we was a run of 7 unbeaten. Since then we have only managed 3 wins in 13 competitive games. Over the summer so far we have made 9 signings. They will take a bit of time to gel and I believe that things will come up alright in time. The win against Luton fills me with confidence that things will improve in quick time.
Saturday against Bradford has left James Rowberry with quite a few selection headaches going into the game tomorrow with centre back Declan Drysdale receiving a red card against the bantams and both Aaron Wildig and Robbie Wilmott picking up injuries on the weekend. James Clarke is likely to return as the right sided centre back in place of Drysdale but Rowberry wants to shake things up then he could have Aaron Lewis as a right wing back and move Cameron Norman into the back 3. There will be opportunity in midfield with both Wildig and Wilmott out who starts in the 3? James Waite has impressed in the cameo's he has had so far this season. Sam Bowen has looked a real quality player in the 3 games he started for the club so far this season. County new boy Nathan Moriah-Welsh could be set to make a first start. Plenty of selection headaches for Rowberry.
Salford have made their best start to a league 2 campaign since their promotion to the EFL in 2019. 2 wins and a draw have meant that Salford currently sit 3rd in the very early League 2 table. They changed their manager yet again over the summer seeing old boss Gary Bowyer depart and former Manchester United youth coach Neil wood take the reigns at the peninsula stadium. They made 6 signing over the summer so far with them looking to turn the heavy spending into success this season.
Newport haven't beaten Salford in league football full stop. The only time we have managed to beat Salford was in the Fa cup 2nd round tie at Rodney parade in November 2020. In 5 games we have played Salford in the league we have lost 3 and drew 2. They also knocked us out of the papa john's trophy semi final in 2020 just before the country went into lockdown.
Before the game tomorrow Newport City Radio will be holding a bucket collection around the ground. It's an organisation which is very close to my heart. We're a not for profit charity organisation who rely solely on volunteers. All donations are very much appreciated and will go along way.
I think we will end our baron run tomorrow evening as I believe we will win 2-0.What do you think wil happen tomorrow night? Also don't forget to follow us on twitter @Absoutecounty and on Instagram @absolutely_county
