Oh, but wasn’t it written in the stars for all to see? That Dino’s first win as Boro’ boss would come convincingly at the expense of a, quite frankly, buggered Barnet? In the space of one Bank Holiday game, our gaffer saw us score more times against the Bees than he managed to during his time at The Lamex. That much ain’t really so important, but the three points were. So, let’s hope it’s the first of many wins we can now look forward to.
Of course, we won’t know if it is (or not) for some time yet. We can at least take some small pointers from this next outing, however. And it’s going to be an interesting one, we reckon. Newport away is what’s occurring. At this point last season, the Welsh side were packing up the car for a return to the Conference. Now, they are set in mid-table; offending neither promotion nor relegation sensibilities. But what about ours this weekend?
And their former assistant manager?
Newport County v Stevenage: The Lowdown
The Referee
P1 W0 D0 L0 F0 A2; last result: Stevenage 0-2 Exeter City, 24/09/2016
Ollie Yates sounds like a man who should be presenting a kids’ TV show or popular breakfast radio screamfest. But, no. Here he is, reffing us for only the second time – and we weren’t bloody amused the first time round…
The Opposition
P7 W4 D2 L1 F14 A10; last result: Stevenage 3-3 Newport County, 05/08/2017
It is still the case that, not since our first encounter back in December 2014, have we lost to Newport. We have found the back of their net at least twice in each of our last six head-to-heads; three times each in the last two. Our opening day draw this season probably should have given us fair warning for what was to follow, to be fair. Boro’ held a 3-1 lead with 13 minutes to go, only to balls it up and let in a stoppage time leveller.
The Form
We are refusing to pay attention to our current form, being as we are only three results into a new managerial reign. And, sure, everyone is beating Barnet so let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves. Newport County, then, come into this drawing four of the last six. It’s an upgrade, mind you. Only Barnet and Grimsby collected fewer points from the last 10 League Two matches. Comparatively, it could make for an even encounter.
One thing that always stokes the expectations, however, is finding out that your next hosts have been found wanting indoors of late. The Exiles are without a home win in six attempts; last pleasing their local folk when Crawley were in town on 19 January. It’s the hope that gets to you over the long course of a season, although our away record is only the fifth worst in the division. So, get your £5.60 at the ready. We’re off to Wales…
Dyma’r ffurflen ddiweddar, wedi’i dynnu mewn technicolor llawenydd gan kickoff.co.uk…
• BoroGuide’s Newport County club profile – Like an errant dog running across Richmond Park…