12th April 2017

A Glovers win at Rodney Parade would provide a healthy of space between themselves and the bottom two.

Darren Way’s side are currently seven points above the drop zone and Friday’s opponents Newport, who have won four of their last seven games since Michael Flynn took temporary charge.

Otis Khan made a welcome return to action at Portsmouth last week following a lengthy spell on the sidelines to give Way another creative option in the absence of Ben Whitfield, who will miss the match in South Wales due to suspension.

Matty Dolan (ankle) and Nathan Smith (knee) also played a part on the south coast while Alex Lawless (hamstring) was an unused substitute.

Forward Francois Zoko was in the goals again against Pompey, making it three in his last four at Fratton Park.

The Ivorian will be hoping to add to his 13 goals in all competitions when Yeovil head to Newport.

The Exiles’ good form of late has given them a good chance of avoiding relegation after previously looking down and out.

The Welsh outfit lost 4-0 at home to bottom club Leyton Orient at the beginning of March which left them 11 points adrift of safety and saw the end of Graham Westley’s reign.

Flynn took over and since then, Newport have twice recorded back-to-back wins leaving them just three points behind Hartlepool United.

Defensively they have tightened up, keeping clean sheets in their last two wins.

Joint-top scorers Rhys Healey and Josh Sheehan returned to parent clubs Cardiff City and Swansea City respectively but in Sean Rigg and former Glover Ryan Bird, Newport remain a goal threat.

Head-to-head

Town have never lost to or conceded against Newport in the EFL.

The two sides have met three times since the Exiles’ promotion to League Two in 2015, with the Glovers winning the last two 1-0.

A Jack Compton penalty was enough to separate the teams last season, while an own goal gifted Town three points in this year’s reverse.

Referee

Dean Whitestone will take charge of his 40th game of the season at Rodney Parade.

Mr Whitestone, who has refereed a mixture of League One and Two matches this season, coupled with a few cup games, has awarded 111 yellow cards and has issued two reds. 

The Northamptonshire-born referee has officiated two Town matches this season – the reverse fixture against Newport (1-0 win) and the 1-1 draw at Accrington Stanley.

Mr Whitestone will be assisted by Thomas Harty (West Midlands) and Kevin Morris (Herefordshire) with Joe Clark (West Midlands) acting as fourth official.  

Coverage

On matchday, minute-by-minute updates will be provided on YTFC’s official Twitter account which can be found here, with additional updates available via YTFC’s official Facebook page

If you’re unable to attend the game a full match report will follow on ytfc.net at full-time with post-match reaction from manager Darren Way and a member of the playing staff following soon after. 

Tickets

Tickets can purchase in advance at the Huish Park ticket office, online or by phone on 01935 847888. Fans can buy tickets on the day from a ticket booth near gate 6 at Rodney Parade – there will be no price increase but it is cash only.