Paul Hurst’s team return to BP tonight with Newport County heading to Cleethorpes in Sky Bet League Two.
Off the back of a four-match unbeaten run, including a memorable 2-1 victory away to Premier League side Southampton in the Emirates FA Cup, the Mariners fell to a 2-0 away defeat to promotion-chasing Carlisle United to bring the team back down to earth.
After a heavy week of travelling, tonight is the first of two home matches in five days and a great opportunity to return to winning ways.
Team News
Hurst spoke to the media yesterday and shared the news that an unnamed player picked up a knock in training that will be monitored ahead of the match. A more positive update was issued regarding the players who sat out Saturday’s defeat in that he expects all of them to be available against Newport, bringing the likes of captain Luke Waterfall, Gavan Holohan and John McAtee back into contention.
Otis Khan’s return to action stepped up against Carlisle with our number eleven starting the match before being substituted in the second half. Midfielder Kieran Green is still ruled out but has returned to training this week while Owen Gallacher continues to be out with a calf issue.
Newport County
This evening’s visitors currently sit one place below the Mariners in 17th place having played two games more than Town.
The Welsh club come into the fixture off the back of two defeats, the latest being a 3-1 loss at fifth-placed Salford City.
Former Mariner Omar Bogle is a familiar face in Newport’s squad and, as their top scorer this season, will pose a threat that Town’s defence will need to be nullify.
Manager Graham Coughlan has been in his role since October 2022 after previous spells with Mansfield Town and Bristol Rovers.
Previous Meetings
The two clubs have faced off 33 times in the past with Town victorious in 15 of those, including in the reverse fixture at Rodney Parade earlier this season.
Second-half goals from midfielders Bryn Morris and Harry Clifton gave Town their third win of the campaign. You can watch highlights from that September fixture HERE.
Referee
Bobby Madden will be tonight’s referee and takes charge of his second Mariners match of the season after being in the middle for our 2-0 Carabao Cup victory over Mansfield in September. Otis Khan and Danilo Orsi scored Town’s goals in that match and you can watch the highlights HERE.
Madden will be assisted by Darren Williams and Mark Jones.
Coverage
Tonight’s match is eligible to be live-streamed to UK and overseas viewers on Mariners TV. Live coverage will start around 7:15pm and will feature commentary from BBC Radio Humberside. Match passes cost £10 and you can purchase yours HERE.
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