Crewe Alexandra will aim to end 2023 on a high when they travel to Newport County tonight (Friday, 7.45).
Lee Bell’s injury-hit squad are looking to complete their first League Two double of the campaign, having beaten The Exiles 4-2 at Mornflake Stadium in August.
The Opposition
Newport County sit 17th League Two after their Boxing Day comeback win against Forest Green.
They have picked up five wins out of their 12 home games and have only been beaten twice at Rodney Parade.
The Gaffer
Graham Coughlan took over as Newport boss in October 2022, signing a two-and-a-half-year contract with the club close to the relegation zone.
The Irishman has also had spells in charge of Bristol Rovers and Mansfield Town, in addition to coaching Sheffield United Under-23s in 2021 alongside Darren Currie.
Fighting Talk
Lee Bell (Crewe Alex Manager): “It'll be a really tough game. It is always tough going there, we know what to expect. I’ve addressed the players with what I think they will throw at us, so we have to be ready."
Will Evans (Newport striker): “We are at home so that’s a massive advantage. We have to be on the front foot and if we can take that second-half performance (against Forest Green) into Crewe, we stand a good chance.”
Head-to-Head
Newport have won 15 of the clashes between the sides, while Crewe have won 14. A further 15 games have ended in draws.
Match Officials
Benjamin Speedie will be the man in the middle, and Mark Derrien and Jack Clench will assist from the sidelines. Grant Taylor will be the fourth official.
Speedie has handed out 38 yellow cards and three red cards in the 14 games he has taken charge of this season.
Ticket Details
Click here for ticket information.
How to Get There
Click here for travel advice and a general guide to visiting Newport County
Elsewhere in League Two
AFC Wimbledon v Colchester; Barrow v Accrington; Bradford v Stockport County; Gillingham v Sutton United; Harrogate v Tranmere; Mansfield v Doncaster; MK Dons v Crawley; Notts County v Morecambe; Salford v Grimsby; Swindon v Forest Green; Walsall v Wrexham.
Can't Make The Game?
Crewe fans in the UK and around the world can watch the clash with Newport live on iFollow.
An iFollow match pass for Crewe fixtures includes graphics and replays – all for just £10 (or local equivalent).
The action is complemented by commentary from the BBC Radio Stoke team of Graham McGarry and Peter Morse.
Alternatively, you can listen to LIVE commentary on iFollow - CLICK HERE to purchase an Audio Match Pass for just £2.50!