NEWPORT County AFC boss Graham Coughlan hopes the Rodney Parade factor can help his side stun record-chasing Stockport in a 'near impossible mission'.
The pace-setting Hatters head to south Wales hunting a 13th straight League Two victory after moving level with Luton’s class of 2002 last weekend.
Stockport would be favourites even if 20th-placed Newport were not stretched by injury but Coughlan hopes his side will get a pick-me-up from the Amber Army for a “near impossible mission”.
“We are expecting a big crowd and Stockport will come in their numbers,” said the manager, whose side have won three, drawn four and lost two on home soil in the league this season.
“Our fans have been brilliant and gave us energy when we played MK Dons and needed to make substitutions but couldn’t because we didn’t have the personnel.
“In the last 10 to 15 minutes you could see one or two players waning, but the crowd dragged us over the line.
“They have a close bond with our players and that is something that has always been the case at this club.
“They dragged us over the line and have kept the players going with their positivity, keeping their heads up. The fans know the lads are giving everything and are running through brick walls for them.”
Stockport’s league winning streak started at AFC Wimbledon on September 9 and the only game they haven’t won in any competition since then was an EFL Trophy defeat to League One Bolton.
Coughlan said: “Stockport will get a lot of attention before the game, hopefully not afterwards, because they are on a great run.
“They are a club on an upward trajectory over the last two seasons and deserve the accolades.
“It will be a really difficult game and one where we will see less of the ball than our opponents, similar to Notts County and MK Dons recently.
“They play possession football where they move through the zones but Stockport are slightly different in that they also have an aerial threat in Kyle Wootton.
“Stockport can move the ball down the sides and cross it, they can go direct. They have a really nice blend and can mix their game up.
“I am expecting our boys to relish the challenge and enjoy it. A lot of things need to go in our favour and we need to make sure we are on top form to get anything out of the game.”
County are five points above one-from-bottom Forest Green and seven ahead of basement side Sutton.
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