Friday, November 15, 2024

Newport aim to be spot on for FA Cup tie

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[Huw Evans Picture Agency]

Newport County’s players have been practicing penalties this week ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup first-round tie at home to Peterborough United.

Head coach Nelson Jardim has confirmed they have planned who will take the spot kicks if the game goes to a shoot-out.

The tie has to be decided on Saturday so could involve extra time and eventually penalties.

Confirming his players had practiced penalties this week, Jardim said: “We don’t know who is going to be on the pitch but we will have a list ready. You have to be brave.

“It is one thing to practice in training sessions but another thing in a match and in such an important competition.

“Sometimes it has a little bit more to do with your emotion and how cold you can be in that moment, rather than sometimes being very good on the training ground.”

Newport midfielder Bryn Morris saw his penalty saved in last Saturday’s League Two goalless home draw with Fleetwood Town.

Jardim quipped: “We have practiced penalties. Bryn practiced one last week!”

The Exiles head coach is convinced Morris, who is a fitness worry for the tie, will shrug off that disappointment when required.

“He will improve again… he is good, it (missing) just happens. You have seen Cristiano Ronaldo missing penalties.

“Sometimes we don’t give credit to the goalkeepers, they work hard as well. Some of the saves are down to the keeper and in Bryn’s case it was a great save.

“The ball just rolled on the line, just one of those football moments. It’s gone now, there are no issues at all, that is just part of the game.”

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