Bring on Lewes says Deano (From South Wales Argus)

Bring on Lewes says Deano

12:10pm Friday 14th August 2009 in Sport By Michael Pearlman

NEWPORT County boss Dean Holdsworth insists bitter rivals Lewes can forget about any kind of physical edge when they visit Spytty Park tomorrow (kick-off 3pm).

The Exiles boss, who has steered his side to a magnificent ten-game unbeaten run in the Blue Square South, is backing his boys to show they are a match for anyone following Wednesday’s bruising victory over Hampton and Richmond Borough.

Many County supporters have expressed concern that the Exiles are ‘too lightweight’ to win the Blue Square South this term, but they more than stood up to the physicality of Alan Devonshire’s Hampton, with poor refereeing contributing to a regrettable 21-man brawl at Spytty Park.

It was almost a carbon copy of the incident that marred a clash with Lewes two-and-a-half years ago, a flashpoint involving Craig Hughes leading to a large brawl between the two sides.

Relations with Saturday’s visitors were damaged further in 2007 when – via the local press – Lewes accused former striker Hughes of using racist language, a claim rejected by the FAW who investigated the matter. County supporters were furious at the conduct on the day of both the Lewes skipper and former manager Steve King.

County considered pursuing legal action against Lewes for their allegations, a situation inflamed by derogatory comments about the club in the Lewes programme for a game that didn’t even feature the Exiles.

Relations between the two clubs dipped further still when County supporters were forced to travel to Lewes’ Dripping Pan ground for a 12pm kick-off on a Sunday, though the Sussex side insisted the switch was on police advice.

However, Holdsworth insists any ill-feeling towards Lewes is in the past and is certain his side will come out on top if it is another physical encounter.

“I am fully aware of the recent history with Lewes, but few of the players were involved with it, I wasn’t (Lewes were in the Conference last season) and it is totally irrelevant to me.

“I just want us to win the game and Lewes are another big, physical side, but we’ve shown we are no pushovers, we’re a match for anyone.

“We didn’t beat Hampton because we were physical, we beat them because we passed the ball better, used the ball better and created better chances.

“I don’t want to see incidents such as the one that took place on Wednesday, but I want my players to stick up for one another and I was happy they did. It’s not something you want to see, but we are prepared to battle to win games and the players won’t be bullied.”

The Exiles won’t be appealing Nathan Davies’ red card and Holdsworth is adamant that Hampton didn’t overstep the mark in their approach to the game.

He is keen to look forward and insisted Wednesday’s win has given everyone a lift.

“I woke up proud as punch, the players were excellent, the squad is already being used and Paul Cochlin and Dave Gilroy came in and were fantastic,” he said.

“The supporters also deserve enormous credit, nearly 1200 was great, the atmosphere was brilliant and long may it continue.”

The Exiles will give a late fitness test to Paul Bignot (groin) and will hope Kevin Cooper (ill) is available.

Takumi Ake is definitely out and scans today should reveal the extent of his knee injury.

Bristol Rovers prospect Lewis Haldane will not be joining County despite a statement indicating he would on Rovers’ website, the Exiles looking elsewhere with Holdsworth given the funds to sign a new forward.

“We are hoping to bring another player in, but we’re in no rush,” he said.