Scouser Jim Bentley left Newport County fed up and frustrated at Rodney Parade, but then predicted: “The Exiles will give Spurs a passionate Welsh reception on Saturday.”
Morecambe manager Bentley and his team left South Wales after earning a 1-1 League Two draw against County.
There were 2,754 spectators at the match, while 10,000 will spark up the atmosphere for Saturday’s FA Cup fourth round tie against Spurs at Rodney Parade (5.30pm).
“I’d love Newport to win against Spurs,” said Bentley, a former Morecambe player who became manager in 2011.
“It would be great for League Two if Harry Kane and Spurs were beaten by Newport side and they earn recognition of a team in the later stages of the competition.
“Spurs will get a passionate Welsh reception and they won’t be used to the facilities. They will have to show battling qualities.”
Newport badly needed a win against struggling Morecambe to maintain momentum in their promotion push. Three points would have lifted them to fifth place, while the draw left them eighth.
“For the majority of the game we were the better team,” said County manager Michael Flynn. “Morecambe had a 10 minutes spell in the second half where they were on top, but apart from that we were better by far.
“It’s frustrating to draw, a missed opportunity. Players gave me their all and it wasn’t a case of minds on other things with the FA Cup tie v Spurs on Saturday.
“I’m sure Spurs would rather in other places rather than Rodney Parade, but they are a top class club and manager. I just hope they have an off day.
“The tie is something everyone can look forward to, but we will be back down to earth with a bang when we play Lincoln City away next Tuesday.”
Captain Josh Labadie and Matty Dolan both missed the match against Crawley because of sore hamstrings, but are expected to train tomorrow and should be available for the Spurs tie.
County’s perfect start to 2018, four wins from four matches, came to an end after a late Michael Rose penalty ensured Morecambe collected a 1-1 draw.
Ben Tozer had fired Newport ahead after 14 minutes, reacting to Frank Nouble’s flick to find the top corner from close range.
Morecambe were awarded a penalty after goalkeeper Joe Day fouled substitute Garry Thompson and Rose scored from the spot.
Manager Flynn made one change to his starting line-up with Mark O’Brien returning for the first time since being sent off against Lincoln. He took over from teenager Ben White.
Now Flynn can focus on County’s battle against Mauricio Pochettino’s Tottenham.
That tie will be a sizzling hot Rodney Parade occasion – and the Exiles can put their quest for League Two success to the back of their minds for a while.
Newport County: Day, Pipe, Demetriou, O’Brien, Bennett, Butler, Willmott, Tozer, Sheehan (Osadebe 45), Nouble (McCoulsky 73), Amond (Hayes 86). Subs not used: Bittner, White, Reid, Collins.
Morecambe: Roche, Lavelle, Old, Muller, Conlan, Rose, Kenyon, McGowan, Campbell (Lang 64), McGurk (Thompson 64), Ellison. Subs not used: Nizic, Brough, Fleming, Wildig, Lund
Referee: Kevin Johnson
Attendance: 2,754 (18 away).
