Deano is relishing 'tasty' tie (From South Wales Argus)

Deano is relishing 'tasty' tie

11:10am Tuesday 24th November 2009

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NEWPORT County manager Dean Holdsworth can’t wait to get his teeth into what he describes as a ‘tasty’ tie at Farnborough in the FA Trophy.

The Exiles, eight points clear at the top of the Blue Square South, travel to Hampshire on December 12 to take on the leaders of the Zamaretto Premier League in a battle of the early season high-fliers.

It promises to be a tough draw for Holdsworth’s men against a team who are unbeaten in the league this term – their one defeat coming in the FA Cup at Salisbury City.

Recent history is also against County with Farnborough Town, as they were known before going into liquidation in 2007, winning the last four league matches between the sides in the 2005-06 and 2006-07 seasons.

But after watching his side defeat Braintree 2-1 in awful conditions at Spytty Park on Saturday, Holdsworth is confident that they will progress beyond the first round proper and keep the dream of a Wembley final appearance alive.

“It's a tough draw but a really tasty one too,” said the Exiles boss.

“We are are both flying in the league and we're there on merit. Both sides will be high on confidence and I’m sure they will be relishing the opportunity to have a crack at us but we will also be looking forward to what should be a great game.

“It’s about picking the right side to win each game and so far we've done pretty well with that,” he added.

“I was delighted for Dave Gilroy to come back into the starting line up and get a goal on Saturday and the way the whole squad is performing at the moment is perfect because it creates so much competition for places.”

One of the star men against Braintree was Swansea City forward Kerry Morgan, on loan at the club until January, and Holdsworth picked the youngster out for particular praise.

“Kerry was terrific and I'm really pleased for him,” added Holdsworth.

“He’s still learning but on a horrible day he was a real spark of energy and he really showed his desire in the wind and the rain. He was enjoying it and that's what you need at this time of the season.”

County now have the whole week to prepare for Saturday's league trip to Lewes while their opponents face an FA Trophy replay at home to Eastleigh tomorrow (Wed) night after they drew 1-1 at the weekend.

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