County boss won't rush back goal machine Aaron O'Connor (From South Wales Argus)

County boss won't rush back goal machine Aaron O'Connor

7:00am Thursday 7th March 2013 in Sport By Andrew Penman

RETURNING FROM INJURY: Aaron O'Connor

NEWPORT County AFC manager Justin Edinburgh will resist the temptation to rush back top scorer Aaron O’Connor for this Saturday’s trip to Ebbsfleet United.

County will be without fellow striker Danny Crow who suffered a recurrence of his hamstring injury during Tuesday’s thrilling 3-2 win at Hereford United.

Edinburgh admitted he’d love to throw O’Connor back into the mix as soon as possible after his recovery from a torn thigh muscle but he ruled out the 17-goal hotshot for Saturday.

“Hopefully Danny Crow is not too serious because, since he’s come back into the team he’s been the catalyst for us to go on this great run,” said Edinburgh.

“Aaron has joined in the warm-up in the last two games and trained a few times but we don’t want to rush him back. It would be so easy to do because of what’s happened to Danny but we want to get him back and make sure he stays fit.

“Saturday might be too early for him but next week he’ll hopefully play a part.”

County will be aiming for a sixth straight win after substitute Robbie Willmott scored a last-gasp winner at Edgar Street.

Lee Minshull had levelled twice after the Bulls scored two of their three penalties in a pulsating local derby that left Edinburgh’s men three points behind Conference leaders Wrexham with two games in hand.

“It’s probably the biggest win of the season so far because of the circumstances with dubious penalties going against us and to come back twice,” said the Exiles boss. “It may be a pivotal moment in our season.”

Edinburgh also paid tribute to the 1,200 fans who travelled from Newport to cheer on their team.

“That goal was sucked into the net by our fans,” he added. “The terrace was really rocking at the end and they played a big part in the win.

“They’ve been brilliant all season and we were just happy to send them home with a win.”

l County have issued a statement to clarify that tonight’s supporters groups meeting being hosted by president David Hando at Rodney Parade is not an open public meeting for supporters.