Torquay United v County
Newport County AFC received a double boost prior to their Skybet League 2 fixture against Torquay United on Saturday March 22nd (Kick Off: 3:00pm) at Plainmoor as Manager Justin Edinburgh secured the signings of 2 defenders that go straight into contention for this important clash.Welsh international Darcy Blake has signed on a short term contract until the end of the season after mutually agreeing to terminate his contract with Premiership club Crystal Palace on the last day of the previous transfer window in January.
Republic of Ireland U21 international Kevin Feely joins on an Emergency Loan until the end of the season from Charlton Athletic having previously been on loan at AFC Wimbledon earlier in the season.
Justin Edinburgh is aware of the lift this has given everyone involved at the County: 'I am delighted to have got Darcy and Kevin in to strengthen the squad. Darcy needs no introduction being a proud Welshman and holder of 14 caps for his country. This is a win win situation as the lad wants to get back playing and we need bodies in as Yakubu and Sandell are unavailable tomorrow whilst David Pipe is suspended for the next 2 games. Everybody knows the qualities Darcy possesses and his enthusiasm is infectious. Kevin is a lad I have monitored for a while and he was unlucky at AFC Wimbledon as an injury cut short his loan spell. Wycombe have shown interest in him and he is an aggressive player who is athletic and a winner. Both players will be in the squad for the game against Torquay, which we will prepare properly for and expect a tough test.'
Lenny Pidgeley is still not ready for a come back so Ian McLoughlin will conitnue in goal whilst Ryan Jackson will face a late fitness test.
Torquay United will be tough opponents after securing a 2-1 win with a 90th minute winner on Tuesday against Bury at Plainmoor.
Manager Chris Hargreaves doesn't expect Courtney Cameron to recover from a hamstring strain sustained in the win over Bury but Danny Stevens and Wales U21 International Billy Bodin are available.
The match is ALL TICKET for both sets of supporters and County will be roared on by a magnificent 875 fans who make the trip South West for this enticing fixture.