Close pals Padraig Amond and James McKeown go head-to-head when Newport County entertain Grimsby Town at Rodney Parade on Saturday (3pm).
They played together for Grimsby when the Mariners defeated Forest Green Rovers in a play-off at Wembley Stadium three seasons ago and earned promotion to the Football League.
Goals ace Amond, who netted 37 times in that season, moved on from Grimsby two years ago when he joined Hartlepool and then Newport.
He’s on top against goalkeeper McKeown, having netted three times in the two matches when they have faced each other since then.
“Podge can’t keep scoring past me, he can’t,” says McKeown. “Plus, I know what he’s doing now anyway!
“It will be good to see him. We got on really well.
“He is a good player and he’s a good finisher. He can score a goal from anything.”
Amond, who has scored four goals already this season, and Jamille Matt are both former Grimsby players, while the Lincolnshire club include ex-County man Mitch Rose in their line-up.
Newport are unbeaten in their last four League Two and cup matches and their midweek win against Notts County, when Matt scored an injury time winner, lifted them to eighth, three points behind joint leaders Exeter and Lincoln.
“Grimsby recruited quite a lot of players over the summer and it’s going to be a tough match,” says manager Michael Flynn. “Anyone that thinks it won’t be tough will have a rude awakening because they will be up for it.”
Flynn is delighted with the togetherness of his playing, saying: “Our team, our squad is full of spirit.
“They have really bonded. They are all close and we don’t have any egos within the dressing room.”
Mark Harris, signed on loan from Cardiff City, has scored twice for County this season and Flynn said: “He’s fitted into the group exceptionally well, as have all the loan boys.
“Charlie Cooper, Antoine Semenyo and Tyreeq Bakinson have all settled in and Sparky has two goals now in two games. He’s loving life right now.
“I’ve had that conversation with him this morning and he said it’s so much better for him here than in the under-23s.
“He has a good future ahead of him as long as he keeps improving. He has pace, he’s aware and is a very, very good finisher.
“All those three combined give him a great chance.”
Club captain Andrew Crofts and Robbie Willmott are both doubtful for the match against Grimsby with Bakinson likely again play in midfield.
Flynn has been impressed by the 19-year-old signed on loan from Bristol City, saying: “Tyreeq has been outstanding in the last couple of games. It seems like he is improving game after game which is always a good sign.”
Grimsby have a number of injury problems and will be without the suspended Paul Dixon, who starts a three-game ban.
Defender Danny Collins has had surgery on a broken right arm, while Elliott Whitehouse (knee) and Harry Cardwell (groin) will be missing.
Newport County (3-5-2), probable: Day, Butler, Franks, Demetriou (capt), Bennett, Forbes, Dolan, Bakinson, Sheehan, Harris, Amond.
