March 28, 2024

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West End fixture is a cup final says Houldsworth

Newport City manager Sam Houldsworth says Wednesday’s fixture against West End on Wednesday is a cup final fixture.

Newport City host Swansea based side West End on Wednesday in a a game that could be perceived as a six-pointer, with the position of both sides in the table, with not many games left for either side.
Houldsworth says a result from Wednesday is a necessity and that if his side are to stay up then a win is a must come Wednesday.
“This for us is our cup final and we all understand that nothing other than a win will be enough. I think West End will already be feeling some added pressure given our recent results and with a long journey mid week we are hoping to capitalise.
A fixture under the floodlights is always a good occasion and when there is so much at stake it makes for a great game for the neutral. However I am sure my blood pressure will be through the roof.
Newport won’t be approaching the game any differently but the Steelmen boss reiterated how this game means everything to Newport and that will be the motivation for his players.
“From my point of view it is definitely one game at a time. The remaining 5 fixtures will be for nothing if we don’t get the win on Wednesday. The lads barely need anything from myself, they all know what is at stake and are raring to go.
The only thing I will be doing preparation wise is making sure they all are focused on the game plan and concentrate for the 90minutes. I have huge belief in our team at the moment and am confident the lads won’t disappoint.
We know it will mean nothing if we don’t capitalise and take the 3 points against West End. The players fully deserved the victory on Saturday and can hopefully continue the good form for this week with 2 huge matches.”
Going into the game, Alex Williams picked up a thigh injury and will miss the game, alongside goalkeeper Adam Webb. With three goalkeepers unavailable on Saturday, Newport City were forced to play with assistant manager Dean Palmer in goals, fortunately for Newport they will welcome back out and out goalkeeper Jack Cropper.
“Dean was superb. Since coming to the club he has bought some much needed belief and also a level of expectation from all the players. If someone isn’t putting in a shift he doesn’t only tell them but helps them understand what they need to do better. Saturday he organised from the back, his distribution was first class and he collected crosses with ease. However Jack Cropper is back for Wednesday.”
On Saturday, Newport secured a vital three points away at Croesyceiliog and will be looking to build on that but Houldsworth went through the whole spectrum of emotions during the game, but was delighted to see his side win again.
“I felt a a mix of relief and satisfaction. The last few weeks we have deserved more in my opinion and the players have been disappointed with 2 draws which from a managers point of view shows how far we have come. The lads are no buzzing for the next game which can’t come soon enough.”
(Featured Image: Dim Dim Saith)

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