Exiles out to make amends (From South Wales Argus)

Exiles out to make amends

11:10am Friday 18th September 2009 in Latest Football By Michael Pearlman

NEWPORT County boss Dean Holdsworth is backing his side to shrug off their midweek disappointment ahead of their biggest game of the season to date.

The Exiles travel to relegated Woking tomorrow, meaning a battle between the sides second and third in the Blue Square South, with the highest attendance in the league so far almost guaranteed.

It’s a mouthwatering clash for the travelling Amber Army and Holdsworth is certain his boys will respond to the disappointment of being held 1-1 by basement boys Weymouth on Wednesday, taking County to 17 games unbeaten in the BSS.

“It’s a big test for us and we can’t wait for it, the boys were disappointed with how things went against Weymouth, we couldn’t score the second and were punished by a sucker punch,” he said.

“We didn’t play well, but I back the boys to make amends for that, they’re annoyed with themselves.”

The Exiles will be without striker Jason Bradley who has unexpectedly left despite only just agreeing to extend his loan arrangement, returning to Mansfield.

He was unhappy at only being fourth choice, with boss Holdsworth “not prepared” to select him in preference to Dave Gilroy as back up for Sam Foley and Craig Reid.

“We thank Jason for his contribution, he wasn’t happy with a lack of minutes and that’s understandable. I believe another club are interested who can offer him more opportunities than we could.”

Holdsworth has backed Craig Reid to continue as penalty taker, despite a crucial miss on Wednesday, Reid having his kick saved in the same spot he has put every penalty to date.

“I’ve spoken with Craig about mixing it up, he’s aware of my feelings and next time it’s a game of double-bluff with the goalkeeper, but he will take the next one, he’s a good penalty taker,” Holdsworth said.

He is likely to recall Nathan Davies to his squad on Saturday and has no new injury problems. Paul Bignot, who missed Wednesday’s game with Weymouth through illness, should be in contention to return.