Michael Flynn and his Newport County team aim to fire up their season when Crewe Alexandra visit Rodney Parade on Saturday.
Exiles’ fans were shocked by County’s 3-0 defeat at Mansfield Town a week ago, while visitors Crewe thumped Morecambe 6-0 at home.
Manager Flynn says: “If you listen to some people Crewe are already promoted, we’re relegated and we might as well pack up with 45 games to go – it’s a done and dusted league.
“I’m always confident. I go into every game to win. We lost the first game, it happens. It’s one of those things.
“There needs to be a realism to what we can achieve and also to take the pressure off the players.
“I’m really looking forward to us playing in front of our fans,” he said.
“They’re a passionate group. The majority of them have been excellent throughout – not just in my time here but since I’ve know the football club.
“There is a good, solid, hard group of fans who are with us through thick and thin.
“They bleed the Black and Amber. We need those loyal fans to keep the players going and the club going.”
Flynn must wait until Saturday morning before finalising his team because five players have been unable to train all week.
Mark O’Brien and Robbie Wilmott both missed the match at Mansfield with injuries, while three others have been ill or injured this week.
“It’s a tough week,” said Flynn, who would not name the three. “There are five who haven’t trained all week.
“It’s not ideal, but I’m hoping a couple of them come through, otherwise we’re going to be a bit short. I’m worried about one or two making Saturday.
“We’ve had a bit of illness and one or two new injuries. It’s not ideal but it is what it is. You play with the cards you’re dealt and get on with it.”
County set up 3-5-2 at Mansfield with Mickey Demetriou, Scot Bennett and Fraser Franks making up the defensive line in-front of goalkeeper Joe Day.
Tyler Forbes and Dan Butler were the wing-backs with Matty Dolan, Keanu Marsh-Brown and captain Andrew Crofts linking up in midfield.
Padraig Amond and Jamille Matt formed the attacking partnership.
Newport County, possible: Day, Forbes, Demetriou, Bennett, Franks, Butler, Dolan, Crofts (capt), Marsh-Brown, Matt, Amond. Subs: Semenyo, Sheehan, Cooper, Townsend, Pipe, Harris, Bakinson.
