A three-game winning run for the Town came to an end on Tuesday night after the Hatters were unable to unlock the Morecambe defence at the Globe Arena – with the game ending 0-0.
County have continued their miraculous end of season form into the new term, as they now sit seventh, on the same amount of points as the fifth placed Hatters, but below them on goal difference.
Newport's position in the table is reflected in their recent form, with Mike Flynn's side picking up three wins in their last four games.
THE GAFFER SAYS:
Nathan Jones on whether he believes that Newport are a long ball side: "Not as such. They have a set-play threat. They have long throws and they have set-plays and obviously scored two against Crawley Town.
"I wouldn't be as disrespectful as to say that Newport are a long ball side. No, but they have physicality about them that we are going to need to match because he has done a wonderful job there Flynny, to take them from where they were when he took over to where they are now.
"It's going to be a tough game, but every game at this level is a tough game, it's just some are more physically robust and put you under certain pressure. Every game is a new test."
On Mike Flynn's stint as manager of County so far: "He's done very well – it was remarkable to keep them up, but that's what a bit of belief does.
"Players that are working hard for you, that's what he's got to be fair to him, they were a very difficult side to play against. This year they've carried that momentum on.
"They've recruited well in terms of those who have hit the ground running. Good luck to him, he's a good lad. He was that sort of player, a very committed player and he's got his sides doing that. He's doing well."
Jones on Luke Gambin getting his chance in the starting XI: "I am pleased for him because he has been very patient. When we took him, we could have literally waited six months and got him for free. But the board was strong, and they backed me.
"We said if we get him in an environment for those four and a half months he might not play as much, but you get four and a half months of education. What we did was we paid the money to do that, so we could get him early and didn't go into the merry-go-round of an auction in the summer. Luke bought into that – he understood what we are trying to do. Hopefully we can see the best of him.
"He has been wonderful, he has been energetic and has real quality and is turning into the player I believe he could. Before he was a wide player at Barnet, but centrally he will get on it more, he will hopefully create more with his energy, his ball retention is very good, so he's made for us really. I am just as pleased with his attitude and his application day-in and day-out. But that's what happens when you have got a good pro."
WHO?
Last season's Sky Bet League Two fairy tale, County survived the drop into Non-League football courtesy of a late winner on the final day from ex-Hatter Mark O'Brien.
Now kicking on from where they left off, the Exiles are on an upward trajectory and should their form continue as it has been for the rest of the season, they could be challenging for the top positions in the division.
WHEN AND WHERE?
Kick-off is at 3pm on Saturday 30th Septemberat Kenilworth Road.
TICKET INFORMATION
Cash turnstiles will be available around the ground for home support, with ticket prices as follows:Adult: £18Senior Over 65: £13Golden Senior Over 75: £10Young Adult (19-21): £13Under-19 (17-18): £10Junior Under 10 (9 and under): £3
LAST TIME WE PLAYED?
Town took on the Exiles back in March at Rodney Parade, where Danny Hylton's early penalty was cancelled out by Sean Rigg's fierce free-kick. That draw marked the 16th between the two, whilst the Hatters have won 30 meetings, with Newport victorious in 15.
FOLLOW THE ACTION
Supporters who aren't at Kenilworth Road tomorrow can follow the Hatters' Twitter feed on @LutonTown, or stay up to date on the LTFC website in the match centre. iFollow Hatters subscribers can tune in for Simon Pitts' match commentary, whilst international subscribers can watch the game live.
