PLAY-OFFS: Newport (H)

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May 22nd 2021Noah Dougherty

It's all to play for in the second leg of our play-off semi-final meeting with Newport County.

Rovers trail 2-0 in the tie, so would need to win by a margin of two goals to force extra time, or three to progress.

Here is all you need to know ahead of the game:

What we said:

"We have to score three goals on Sunday, and if they score first, that doesn’t change. The message is very clear – score three goals and you have a chance of going to the promised land," said Jimmy Ball. "The innocent New Lawn needs to be like a bear pit on Sunday. It needs to be intimidating and not a nice place to be for anyone from Newport.

"We need to take that advantage, and I believe the fans will provide that."

What they said:

"I am not getting carried away with this," said Exiles boss Michael Flynn.

"They will still have hope and think that they can turn it around. We have seen what happened last season with Cheltenham and Northampton.

"I will be onto these boys to make sure they are at their best because that is what we are going to need to get to Wembley."

Team news:

Nicky Cadden, Dan Sweeney and Jamille Matt all made a return to action in the first leg on Tuesday night, while Ebou Adams served the final game of his suspension.

Key player: Josh Sheehan

Coming through Swansea City’s academy, Josh Sheehan first joined Newport County AFC in August 2016 on loan until January the following year. The midfielder scored his first goal for the Exiles two months later, but made a return to the Swans in March following an injury that ruled him out for the remainder of the season.

Then, after much anticipation from County supporters, the Welshman re-signed in January 2018. Prior to his initial deal at Rodney Parade, Sheehan spent two loan spells at Yeovil Town during the 2015-16 season, where he scored two league goals in 26 appearances.

Last time we met:

Goals from Matty Dolan and Lewis Collins handed Newport County the advantage after the first leg.

It was Dolan's moment of magic in the first half that saw the sides separated at the break, before Lewis Collins fired home a second just moments after his brother had nodded inches wide at the other end.

Odin Bailey had a good chance to pull one back after 68 minutes, but was denied by Tom King from close range.

Head-to-head:

Tuesday night saw Newport edge into the lead in the head-to-head stats, now boasting six wins to Rovers' five.

Despite seven draws, this match-up has delivered some classics, FGR winning 4-1, 5-0 and 4-3 over the years, as well as losing 4-0 and sharing the spoils in a sensational 3-3 draw in South Wales.

The last meeting between the sides in Nailsworth saw the spoils shared, as Jamille Matt equalised in a 1-1 draw in December.

Coverage:

The game will be available to watch live on Sky Sports Football in the UK. International fans can find out how to watch the game HERE.

Full commentary of Saturday’s match will also be available on BBC Radio Gloucestershire on 1413AM.

Stay up to date also on Twitter and Instagram by following @FGRFC_Official, which will have all of the team news before kick-off and updates throughout the game.

There will also be key updates and team news on Facebook. Round-up the clash by checking out the club website where there will be a full report looking back on the encounter.