Next Up: Newport County v Exeter City

Well, who wanted to go to Gateshead anyway. After City’s humiliation in front of the BBC cameras last week, it’s time to “concentrate on the league” as Paul Tisdale’s side looks to build on recent excellent form with a trip overseas on Sunday – yet another away fixture not to take place on a Saturday at 3pm (with another to come this month). David Noble limped off at Warrington on his first start of his second spell, but it isn’t expected to keep him out, although Arron Davies or Jimmy Keohane may reclaim their spot in any case. Tom Nichols continues to press his claims for a start having scored from the bench in each of his last two league games.

Tipped by many to struggle this season, Newport – still under the guidance of Mark Knopfler lookalike Justin Edinburgh – overcame a sluggish start and go into the weekend’s programme lying in 8th place in the table, and unbeaten in the league since a 1-0 reverse at Oxford a month ago, although like City they were knocked out of the FA Cup last weekend. Goals haven’t been an issue, although their top scorer, pantomime villain Chris Zebroski, has just five to his credit so far as, like City, the goals have been spread around the squad. Former City goalkeeper Lenny Pidgeley is likely to be warming the bench having been usurped by Peterborough loanee Joe Day between the sticks.

Last season marked the first that City came up against the re-formed Newport, and it was the Welsh who had the upper hand, picking up four points thanks to a 2-0 win at the Park (Washington and Worley). The return, again on a Sunday due to Rugby, saw City take the lead through an OG from Worley only to be immediately pegged back by Minshull.

Match Officials – http://www.exeweb.com/2014/11/11/match-officials-newport-county-v-exeter-city/

Exeweb’s ground guide – http://www.exeweb.com/2014/11/11/the-things-you-need-to-know-rodney-parade-newport/

Highlights of last season’s game