Newport will seek to deaden the pangs of League Two concern in a quest to script Vertu Trophy progress when Exeter City call this Tuesday at Rodney Parade [19.00] writes Tony Rees.
Put simply, victory over the Grecian, who 28 rungs above County on the Football League ladder, would propel the Port into the last 32 of a competition that has gold at the end of a cup rainbow that ends at Wembley Stadium next April.
Holders Peterborough were thought to have banked £1.25m-plus in beating Birmingham at London HA9 0WS seven months ago, their bloated deposit included competition prize money, match tickets, merchandising and sponsorship.
A quartet of clubs are tethered together in the Group A Southern Section, Newport bolted with Arsenal U-21s, Cardiff City and Exeter by virtue of County's 1-0 away win over the neighbouring Bluebirds in October.
Manager David Hughes, who could restore New Zealand keeper Nik Tzanev to his starting line-up, would hope to have left-back Tom Davies and, possibly, linkman Michael Spellman available, holds the Vertu Trophy in great esteem.
The Welshman is urging his men to chalk up their fifth win in seven matches - this after stumbling at home 4-2 to League Two leaders last Saturday, leaving County rock bottom of their section.
Said Hughes, " Re-discovering momentum is the aim. The Vertu Trophy is a realistic opportunity for clubs outside the Premier League and Championship to take their supporters to Wembley and give them a good day out and some great memories.
"We have set ourselves up for progression thanks to a terrific and deserved 1-0 win at Cardiff last month. It was a satisfying result and performance at the Cardiff City Stadium and we look to replicate that display against another club one section higher than us in the Football League.
"Exeter will be a real test, make no mistake. We will need to work hard and maintain concentration levels and eliminate unforced errors against very useful opponents to prevail."
Hughes, a fine centre back in his playing days, might re-shuffle a rear guard that shipped four to League Two leaders Walsall at home in a crazy game of six goals last Saturday.
County might hand a full debut to Akin Odimayo, a versatile defender signed as a free agent recently - having been released by Northampton.
But Newport will need to spike the guns of a Grecian side who edged out young Arsenal 4-3 at St James' Park in last month - the Gunners' rookies breached by a brace from Northern Ireland international Josh Magennis, Jack Aitchinson and ex-Reading hit man Jayden Wareham who has fired three goals in as many games.
