Newport County manager Graham Coughlan has urged his side to keep pushing up the League Two table after the Exiles’ FA Cup fourth-round clash against Man United.
The Welsh club were drawn at home against Man United following previous cup triumphs against Oldham Athletic, Barnet and Eastleigh. With United’s visit to Rodney Parade on the horizon this Sunday, Newport County are hopeful of a positive result to extend their seven-match unbeaten.
The Exiles’ only recent defeat came on December 23 at Wrexham and Coughlan’s side have won four and drawn three since this loss. This upturn in form has helped Newport to climb the League Two table as they now sit 14th and 18 points clear of the relegation places.
Recent strong form has Coughlan feeling positive about league ambitions this season and, regardless of the upcoming encounter against United, the Newport boss is confident that his side can continue to kick when they return to League Two action.
When speaking to the South Wales Argus, the 49-year-old coach explained that he is delighted with Newport’s recent performances and believes his side hasn’t reached top gear yet.
“Why stop there? Let’s keep this going, build, push on and see where we can get to.
“We are on 37 points now after 28 games and that’s a huge amount from this group of lads, but I hope there is more to come from them.”
Coughlan also highlighted the decreasing injuries in his squad as a contributor towards positive results. But, the Newport manager was also aware that the club’s decent cup run and foreseeable tie with United, could come at a cost.
“Our biggest challenge will be in February and March when we have to reorganise the fixtures that we have missed because of the cup run.
“It will be Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday, Tuesday and we need players to compete on that schedule. We need a couple of players in but this group of lads will run through brick walls for this football club.”
Wrtier’s View
Newport has picked up form just at the right time heading into what could be their biggest match of the season However, Coughlan’s cautious outlook seems that he will value league success over a cup run.
The Exiles have no reason not to field a full-strength side against the Red Devils on Sunday and the fans will be expectant of a determined performance. With the bigger picture in mind though, expect a relatively risk-free approach from Coughlan’s side.
