Newport County midfielder Harrison Biggins is prepared to channel his determination and energy as the Exiles face Bristol Rovers in a high-stakes Severnside derby at the Memorial Stadium this Saturday, kick-off 12.30pm.
Victory would see County escape the League Two relegation zone for the first time in over four months, with 1,400 travelling supporters set to join the Amber Army in backing Christian Fuchs’ side on their 26.5-mile journey across the Severn. A fourth league away win of the season would see 23rd-placed Newport leapfrog a Rovers team who have taken just seven points from their last 54.
Steve Evans’ side have not scored in 290 minutes and are yet to win at BS7 in 126 days, their last victory coming on 27 September.
Biggins, 29, who joined Newport on loan from Shrewsbury in January, is fully aware of the significance of Saturday’s fixture but remains grounded.
“We all know the league table and the magnitude of the game,” he said. “But Saturday will not define our season, win, lose or draw. Of course, a win would help, but there are 19 games still to play.
“We will give everything, as we do every week, to get three points. There is no reason why we cannot take them, but it is about focusing on our own performance and approach. The result will take care of itself.”
Biggins has already made a marked impact at Rodney Parade, scoring in the 2-1 victory over Chesterfield last weekend and being a standout performer in all three matches he has played for the Exiles. The Sheffield-born midfielder sees his performances as a release after months of limited opportunities at Shrewsbury.
“You get frustrated when you are not involved,” he said. “All footballers have spells where they really enjoy playing. I have missed that for a while. Playing regular minutes at Newport is why I am enjoying it so much, and I hope that is showing in my performances. I came here to be the best player I can be and to help the club stay up.”
Biggins is also a key voice in the dressing room, ready to guide the younger players in a challenging derby atmosphere.
“It is not the first derby I have experienced. I have played at Doncaster, Grimsby, Fleetwood and Blackpool. These are games to embrace. I will be helping the younger lads, we have a talented group, and I will continue to be a voice if it helps the team. We have nothing to fear because of our talent. Three points at Bristol would give us that little bit extra.”
The January window has also brought Cardiff City winger Tanatswa Nyakuhwa, Swindon defender Ryan Delaney, pacey wide man Lewis Jamieson and prolific scorer James Crole from USL Championship side Sacramento Republic and Penybont.
Biggins added: “I was up for the challenge coming here. People outside Newport were writing the club off because of the league position, but from day one I saw positivity in the group. Losing at Gillingham, especially in the way we did with two late goals, was hard to take.”
Biggins also praised Fuchs’ work ethic and leadership.
“Seeing him picking up cones and bibs in training says so much about him. He has achieved so much in football and gives everything every day. He is a positive person, always approachable, and encourages players to speak up. He demands and expects everyone to give their best, and his instructions are clear. He explains how we can hurt opponents and defines individual roles in the team. There is so much clarity in his pre- and post-match briefings.”
Newport County will look to harness that clarity, Biggins’ leadership, and the Amber Army’s support as they aim to make a statement in Saturday’s Severnside derby.
