THE Amber Army will hope to get a chance to ask Cameron Norman what the score is when Newport County AFC take on MK Dons this afternoon.
The Exiles announced on Thursday that they had sold more than 400 tickets for the trip to Buckinghamshire, meaning there will be a sizeable away contingent as there was at Walsall earlier this month.
It was a memorable occasion for those packed into the end on the M6 side of the Bescot, with three first-half goals prompting chants of “Priestley, what’s the score?” at former County centre-back Priestley Farquharson.
The towering defender was one of four high-profile departures in a summer that had plenty of us fearing the worst for the Exiles.
We need to talk about @SkyBetLeagueTwo 🗣️
— Sky Bet (@SkyBet) February 22, 2024
Just THREE points separate 7th and 16th in the table 🤯
This is why we love the #EFL 😍 pic.twitter.com/F2d1wyvVfj
Yet rather than a relegation scrap, Graham Coughlan’s side could yet enjoy a promotion bid along with the quartet.
Norman, who is a doubt for this afternoon after being forced off in the closing stages of the midweek draw with Wrexham, is in a tussle for automatic promotion with Crewe’s Mickey Demetriou and Mansfield’s Aaron Lewis.
Walsall and Farquharson are in a similar position to County, one place and a point back, after reacting well to their 3-0 humbling.
Time will tell whether the summer leavers made sideways moves in League Two or if a fresh challenge will lead to League One football.
Here is a look at how they have fared so far in 2023/24…
CAMERON NORMAN (MK DONS)
The right-back was a firm fixture in the County line-up and racked up a century of appearances over two seasons.
The 28-year-old, who most felt would test himself at a higher level, has played 31 times in all competitions for MK with 27 of his 29 league appearances as a starter.
Norman was a goal threat for the Exiles but is yet to open his Dons account and has provided three assists, while he’s also slipped down the division’s most-fouled chart to 11th. Was booked in the 0-0 draw at Rodney Parade.
MICKEY DEMETRIOU (CREWE)
The County legend has proved to be a huge hit for the Railwaymen, who are a surprise package to sit fourth.
The 33-year-old centre-back this week signed a new contract through to next season with an option for another 12 months.
Demetriou has racked up 39 outings for the League Two promotion hopefuls and has scored eight goals, including a double against County in August.
AARON LEWIS (MANSFIELD)
Lewis, classy whether in midfield or as a full-back on either flank, made the move to Field Mill and has helped put the Stags in a strong position.
The 25-year-old west Walian has racked up 32 appearances for Nigel Clough’s side, predominantly in central midfield, and scored a goal of the season contender with a remarkable volley at Accrington.
PRIESTLEY FARQUHARSON (WALSALL)
The central defender was given a chance by County after starring for Connah’s Quay Nomads and, after injury worries, grew into a big figure under Coughlan.
He made the switch to the West Midlands but the 26-year-old is the one of the four yet to really shine for his new club.
Injuries have limited him to 20 appearances and a thigh problem suffered against Mansfield last weekend is set to sideline him for a few weeks.
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