Ebbsfleet United v Newport County

After a horrific run of away matches against top five opposition, it doesn't get any easier for the 'Fleet. This Saturday, title contenders Newport County are the visitors to Stonebridge Road. Having won ten of their fifteen away matches this season, and recorded a victory in each of their last five matches, it's going to be yet another tough afternoon for the boys in red.


Newport County AFC

Founded  - 1912. Re-formed again in 1989 after bankruptcy

Nicknames -  The Exiles, County

Ground - Rodney Parade

Manager - Justin Edinburgh

Captain - David Pipe

Top Scorer - Aaron O'Connor (17)


 
Newport find themselves in a five-way scrap for the Blue Square Premier title at the moment. County sit three points from the top having played less games than all of the teams above them and they'll certainly be hoping they can keep up the good form they have been on. Newport have had a fair few high scoring matches this season with four or more goals occuring in 15 of their 33 matches. Stand out victories for the Exiles include a terrific 5-2 victory against Luton and an exciting 3-4 victory away at Mansfield in their first match of the season. Manager Edinburgh has recently come out and said how much he is against the one automatic promotion place from this division. He feels clubs who perform consistently throughout the season are missing out on a shot in the League due to just one automatic promotion spot.

The 'Fleet will want to forget their last match in a hurry. After good performances away at Grimsby and Kidderminster spirits were high. Unfortunately the confidence was shot to pieces after just a minute when a goalmouth scramble was smashed home by Dele Adebola. An excellent passing move was finished off by veteran Brett Ormerod before Kevin Thornton and substitute Rob Ogleby gave the Dragons a 4-0 half-time lead. Wrexham took their foot off the gas in the second half and Nathan Elder capitalised with a neat finish for his 13th of the season. 4-1 was not a true reflection of how the game played out, but it certainly flattered the 'Fleet. The 'Fleet still sit in 23rd place in the league, five points from safety.

Newport twice came from behind away at Hereford before Robbie Willmott grabbed a stoppage time winner to give County all three points. Josh O'Keefe twice put the Bulls ahead but Lee Minshull equalised both times. Willmott then smashed home from just inside the area in the 93rd minute of the match. Interestingly Hereford had three penalties in the match and still managed to lose. Newport sit in fourth position in the league, three points from the top with games in hand.

　

KEY PLAYERS:

If he plays, Nathan Elder could be key for the 'Fleet if they are to get anything out of this game. The striker has hit 13 goals this season and has scored in each of his last two matches. Neil Barrett has been in exceptional form in an underachieving side this season. The 'Fleet will be hoping his presence in midfield helps them to victory.

If he plays, Aaron O'Connor is vital for the Exiles, not only in this game but for the remainder of the season. 17 goals and counting, the striker will be looking to add to his tally sooner rather than later. Ismail Yakubu is an important player in Newport's squad, having played games in both this division and league two he has enough 'know how' and experience to carry him through. A solid defender who wears his heart on his sleeve, he'll be looking to keep out an eager 'Fleet attack.

　

TEAM NEWS:

The 'Fleet welcome back striker Matt Godden into the squad. The youngster spent time on loan earlier in the season but was recalled by parent club Scunthorpe. He's signed on a months loan deal in time to be included in the squad for Saturday. Daish acted swiftly in getting Godden's services after Josh Scott's loan deal from Dagenham had expired. Joe Howe should be fit to take his place in the squad after missing the trip to Wrexham due to illness. There is no news on whether Stefan Payne and Craig Stone are fit to take their places in the squad.

The big news for Newport is striker Aaron O'Connor has returned to training after around a month out with injury. The top scorer could be in contention to play some part in the match, much to the relief of the fans. Fellow striker Danny Crow recently picked up a knock and may be unavailable for the trip to Ebbsfleet.

　

EBBSFLEET'S LAST SIX LEAGUE MATCHES (LLLWDW):

Wrexham 4-1 Ebbsfleet United

Kidderminster Harriers 3-2 Ebbsfleet United

Grimsby Town 3-1 Ebbsfleet United

Ebbsfleet United 1-0 Hereford United

Ebbsfleet Unitd 0-0 Stockport County

Ebbsfleet United 3-1 Gateshead

Goals: 8

Conceded: 11

　

NEWPORT'S LAST SIX LEAGUE MATCHES (WWWWWD):

Hereford United 2-3 Newport County

Hyde 0-1 Newport County

Newport County 2-1 AFC Telford United

Woking 1-3 Newport County

Newport County 2-0 Mansfield Town

Newport County 2-2 Tamworth

Goals: 13

Conceded: 6

 
PREVIOUS LEAGUE MEETINGS:

09.10.12. Newport County 1-0 Ebbsfleet United

05.11.11. Newport County 0-1 Ebbsfleet United

23.08.11. Ebbsfleet United 1-1 Newport County

　

LAST TIME OUT:

Newport County 1-0 Ebbsfleet United.

Newport came out of this tight match with three points and five points clear at the top of the Blue Square Premier. Centre back Ismail Yakubu headed his fifth goal of the season on the half-hour mark to give the Exiles all three points. The 'Fleet huffed and puffed but just couldn't put the ball in the net.

Attendance: 2,453

 
HOW THE BOOKIES SEE IT:

William Hill have the 'Fleet to win at 11/4. Despite having one of the better away records in the Division, Newport are only slight favourites at 5/6. The odds for a draw are 5/2. If you fancy the 'Fleet to win 1-0 then the odds are 14/1.

Bet Victor have the 'Fleet to win at 29/10 with the Exiles at 20/23. A draw for this game sees odds of 14/5. If you fancy Christian Jolley to grab two or more goals then the odds for this are 7/1.

Ladbrokes have the 'Fleet at 13/5 with Newport slight favourites at 4/5. 12/5 is the odds for a draw in this game. If you fancy a 1-1 draw then the odds for that are 13/2.