Out with the old, in with the New-port

Did you see what I did there? Newport have a new stadium this season but just in case they don’t like it, have an opt out clause whereby they can move back to their old Newport Stadium. It’s a bit like when your children first move out of the family home.


Rodney Parade is certainly suiting the appropriately named Exiles as they have got off to a storming start ably assisted by our old friend Jefferson Louis who has scored in each of their two matches as Newport scorched to the top of the table. They score lots of goals but concede too, so a mirror image of our own heroes who will need to keep it very tight at the back if the Imps are to return to England with any points.

As with City it’s far too early to read anything into the results so far, will they keep it up? Who knows but it’s been exciting enough for Newport fans with eight goals scored and three conceded. Lincoln meanwhile, as we all know, performed creditably to take the points at home to Kidderminster but just could not find the guile, or inspiration, to get anything from the trip to Cambridge. Many commentators were saying about that performance that the teams were well matched but Cambridge had the edge on the bench, a fact that manager Holdsworth is very well aware of.

City now know what they will have to pay Gainsborough Trinity for the services of Andrew Boyce and out new defender is very well acquainted with Jefferson Louis too as the pair played together at The Northolme. He said of their opponents and Louis,

"They are flying, but that's something we will thrive on,"

"And we know we will cause them problems despite the fact they have scored eight in the last two games.

"The boys are desperate to get back out there and make sure we come away from Saturday's game with a result.

"We played very well at Cambridge and if we can reproduce that kind of performance then we will come home with a result."

"He is going to want to smash me up a bit, but I would not expect anything less from Jeff to be honest,"

"If he is on your team then he is brilliant to have because defenders hate playing against him because he is so physical.

"I saw what he was capable of at Gainsborough and he is a very good player.

"I know it didn't work out for him there, but he came to Lincoln and was magnificent.

"But I am ready for him. I am sure there will be a lot of banter between us, but I am relishing the challenge.

"Unfortunately, I know target men get a rough ride, but personally I think you need one no matter what level you are at.

"They have the ability to take the pressure off you and bring others into play.

"We have Rob Duffy at Lincoln and he's been brilliant for us. He's won all his headers and he is very strong.

"It's a great option to have."