Bridgnorth’s Midlands Two survival mission heads to Kenilworth tomorrow with coach Bryan Smallman insisting: “Stay relaxed and we will be fine.” The Severn Park men have managed just one victory from nine league outings to date and lie just three places off the foot of the table.
And they face a stiff test tomorrow against a Kenilworth side currently second and well placed to mount a promotion charge.
But Smallman is refusing to pile the pressure on his side - and insists victory is not out of the question tomorrow.
“The statement to the players and the club at the start of the season was that if we survive, it would be a greater achievement than winning promotion last season and nothing’s changed,” he said.
“We can’t start saying this week or that week is a must win game. It’s about staying relaxed and focussing on our game. We know if we execute certain plays at certain times in certain areas we can compete with anybody.
“We played Burton (league leaders) a few weeks ago and came to the hour mark and we were only 20-12 down with a penalty. If we can cut out the mistakes, we have got a good enough squad to compete.”
It’s a big day for two players tomorrow with scrum half Gareth Blaydon and second row James Chatto both making their first-team debut.
They will help cover the absence of centre Paul Markevics, who is out for six weeks with a broken hand, wing Craig Thomas and back row Craig Massey.
Newport, who will be hoping Bridgnorth do them a favour by defeating Kenilworth, must put the disappointment of last Saturday’s EDF Energy Intermediate Cup defeat by Peterborough behind them when they take on Barkers Butts at Forton Road.
The Fishes are boosted by the return of skipper Steve Dolphin, while Tom Eaton comes in at fly-half. There are two changes in the pack with Simon Bell and Michael Woodhouse both ruled out. Vince Knight comes in at prop and Alex Bristow moves to hooker.
Club spokesman Chris Bristow said: “It’s another big ask. It might be the same league as last season but the standards are higher.”
Luctonians skipper Stuart Bemand is confident his side can cause a Midlands One upset by toppling joint leaders Luton.
“No one expects us to win at Luton but I fancy our chances” said Bemand. “We have won four of our last five games and looked to have turned our season around after losing our first six matches.
“But we will have to keep up the standard if we are going to win”.
By James Garrison
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