COUNTY GO 14 CLEAR

Newport County surged to an immense 5-0 win over St. Albans at Newport Stadium this afternoon. Gary Warren opened the scoring for the Exiles after 22 minutes. Midway through a brilliant second half for County Craig Reid made it two. The star striker added a third after 82 minutes before a blistering conclusion to the match from the Exiles.

On 90 minutes the impressive Kerry Morgan fed Craig Reid who weaved his way past the goalkeeper and crossed for Sam Foley to head it home. Shortly afterwards a thunderous shot by Nicholls was touched away by St. Albans' keeper. The subsequent corner from Rose was directed in by Jamie Collins to make it five in the fourth minute of injury time.

County's defensive effort was also as impressive as ever with Thompson, Collins and Warren outstanding. They have not conceded a home league goal since September 16.

DRAGONS COUNT ERRORS IN HOME DEFEAT

A powerful second half performance from Gloucester gave them a comfortable 32-23 victory over Newport Gwent Dragons at Rodney Parade this afternoon.

The English side overturned a six point deficit for a bonus point victory having scored four tries via a hat trick from Akapusi Qera (3) and a penalty try.

"All in all, we made too many errors," Dragons head coach Paul Turner told Sky Sports. It is the Dragons sixth successive defeat. Attendance - 5653.

CASTLE RETURNS FOR DRAGONS

Three more players return to Paul Turner's squad this weekend to be in with a chance of facing Gloucester in round 6 of the Heineken Cup this weekend, (Sunday 12:45pm)

Dragons prop Ben Castle is set to return to action this weekend after suffering a ruptured bicep in the region’s pre-season friendly against Worcester. Scrum half Wayne Evans is also back from a knee injury and is joined in the squad by centre Ashley Smith who has been out for several weeks with a broken foot.


Luke Charteris has also been declared fit following bruising to the shoulder last weekend at Glasgow.


"I’m delighted to have Ashley, Wayne and Ben back in the side this weekend," said Dragons Head Coach Paul Turner. "We’ve missed Wayne over the Christmas period and I’d like to say a big thank you to Danny Lee who literally came from the surgical bed to postpone his shoulder operation and play for us all over Christmas. It wasn’t easy, and he played well despite carrying the injury."


"I’m also very pleased for Ben to be back in the side. It’s been a frustrating time for everyone, particularly for Ben and having had a long, hard road to recovery, this is his opportunity to have a major impact as we head into the back leg of the season."




Dragons Squad for Gloucester


Backs
Jason Tovey, Martyn Thomas Aled Brew, Rhodri Gomer Davies, Ashley Smith, Tom Riley, Richard Fussell, Matthew Watkins, James Arlidge, James Leadbeater, Wayne Evans.


Forwards
Hugh Gustafson, Ben Castle, Ali McKenzie, Tom Willis (c) Steve Jones, Gethin Robinson, Rob Sidoli, Luke Charteris, Hoani MacDonald, Adam Jones, Danny Lydiate, Lewis Evans, Gavin Thomas, James Harris

LYDIATE STARTS AGAINST GLASGOW

Newport Gwent Dragon's rising star Dan Lydiate has returned from a hamstring injury to take up a starting position as the Dragons face Glasgow Warriors at Firhill tonight.

With Pat Palmer ineligible for the tournament, Gethin Robinson comes into the front row and Shaun Connor gets a start at fly half in the round five clash of the Heineken Cup which kicks off at 7.30pm tonight.

Newport Gwent Dragons

Jason Tovey, Aled Brew, Rhodri Gomer Davies, Tom Riley, Richard Fussell, Shaun Connor, Danny Lee, Hugh Gustafson, Tom Willis (C), Gethin Robinson, Rob Sidoli, Luke Charteris , Danny Lydiate, James Harris, Lewis Evans.

Replacements 

Steve Jones, Ali Mckenzie, Peter Bracken, Hoani MacDonald, Mathew Watkins, James Leadbeater, James Arlidge, Martyn Thomas.

COUNTY: REID CONTRACT NOT IN DOUBT

Newport County have moved to reassure fans over any misunderstandings surrounding striker Craig Reid.

The Club's general manager Tim Harris felt it is of 'paramount importance' that they clarify the nature of the deal their star striker signed last summer.

Mr Harris said:

"Following a recent press article I feel it is of paramount importance that the club officially confirm the contractual situation of our star striker Craig Reid.

Craig signed a new contract last summer which allows the club to retain him as a Newport County player for the 2010~2011 season."

In a South Wales Argus article this week under the headline 'I'm keeping my options open', it was claimed that he is 'not tied to the Exiles beyond the end of this season' which it claimed is a 'worrying situation for the County faithful'.

Reid told reporter Michaal Pearlman that 'everybody knew' that he had only signed until the end of the season'. The exiles top scorer also stressed that he had no decision to make at the moment as no plans for next season had been put forward by the club.

One of the Blue Square South division's hot property, Reid has scored 19 goals in all competitions this season after singing from Cheltenham in December 2008.

LYDIATE BACK FOR GLASGOW HEINKEN CUP CLASH

With their physio room beginning to empty, the Heineken Cup clash against Glasgow on Friday night will only see one return for the Dragons as several players eye the round six match against Gloucester as the date they return to full fitness.

Rising star Danny Lydiate is set to return from a hamstring injury for the round 5 match at Firhill Arena whilst Ben Castle and Ashley Smith are hoped to be available for next weekend’s match along with scrum half pair Alex Walker and Wayne Evans.

The absence of Walker and Evans has given academy graduate James Leadbeater the opportunity to build on his senior career after making his debut against Biarritz last month. 

"Glasgow are similar to the Dragons," said Dragons Head Coach Paul Turner. It’s not all stars but a workman like side with a couple of key players we’ve always been aware of. Although we have a good record against them, the fact that they are riding high at the top of the league and the fact that they’ve made Firhill a bit of a fortress means that this definitely won’t be an easy game.

"Christmas has not been a happy time for us. The Friday match against Biarritz where we became victims of the weather in more ways than one was a tough one for us and effectively stopped what had been a good run for us. I’ve always said that Europe can damage you if you’re not 100% on your game, with a few players unavailable. 

"The weather’s been very tough to deal with. We’ve been training all over the place and it feels like we’ve been at the Vale of Glamorgan forever. It is a great facility and we’re lucky to have access to it but it’s very difficult with the moving around to keep continuity.

"The only longer-term guys are Joe Bearman – who we’re expecting a decision on over the next couple of days and Nigel Hall.

"In any sport, if you’re not playing well and things go against you, you have to be able to fight back. We’re doing things very well in training, it’s just a question of making sure that we get these things right on the pitch."

Dragons Squad for Glasgow

Backs 
Jason Tovey, Martyn Thomas Aled Brew, Rhodri Gomer Davies, Rom Riley, Richard Fussell, Matthew Watkins, James Arlidge, Shaun Connor, James Leadbeater, Danny Lee 

Forwards 
Hugh Gustafson, Ali McKenzie, Tom Willis (c) Steve Jones, Peter Bracken, Gethin Robinson, Rob Sidoli, Luke Charteris, Hoani MacDonald, Adam Jones, Grant Webb, Danny Lydiate, Lewis Evans, Gavin Thomas

TODD SIGNS FOR COUNTY

After much speculation Chris Todd has signed with the Exiles - initially on a "rest of the season" loan from Torquay and then for a further season directly with the league leaders.

 

County boss Dean Holdsworth said

"I am delighted that Chris, who has had numerous offers, has decided to join Newport County. In Chris we are gaining a league quality defender who in recent years has commanded transfer fees and has lead his side at Wembley in a the conference play off final. During his loan spell at Salisbury he has been spoken of very highly and I know that they will be disappointed to have lost his services."

 

Chris said " I chose Newport County as I really think that the club are going places, I love a challenge and I want to be part of it. As a Welshman through and through I want Wales to have another club back in the football league and from what I can see, I think that the County can do that. It gives me a real opportunity to be part of something special."

 

"Dean was a major influence in me signing as I watched him as a kid and I love the way he goes about things - he always gives 110% in everything that he does. When I talked to him it was obvious that he means business and I want to be part of his plans for the County."

COUNTY vs YORK POSTPONED

After further discussions with the FA and a fourth official pitch inspection the game between Newport County and York City due to take place today has been postponed.

County are looking to rearrange the game for next Wednesday at 19:45.

With more bad weather forecast they are asking fans to keep an eye out for further updates.

The next planned league game is against Basingstoke - Saturday 16th January K.O. 3:00 pm.

NEW DRAGONS SIGNINGS

Newport Gwent Dragons have announced signings both on and off the pitch.

A two-year extension to their agreement with Motorpoint as title shirt sponsors has been announced, along with contract extensions handed out to no less than four players.

Welsh Sevens World Cup winner Aled Brew, rising stars Wayne Evans and Martyn Thomas and Premiership graduate Tom Riley have all agreed two-year deals which will see them remain at Rodney Parade until the end of the 2012 season.

"I’m really pleased to be staying on at the Dragons," said Evans. "I’ve been very happy here and I feel that we are moving forward. I know we had a few tough results over the Christmas period but we know what we need to do and are ready to put in the hard work to get back on track for the rest of the season.

"With the planned new training facilities and the team spirit here, the Dragons are moving forwards and I want to be a part of that."

Brew, who joined the region last season, is also keen to be a part of the future being built at Rodney Parade.

"I’ve really enjoyed my time at Rodney Parade since last season," he said. "I feel this region and this team are going somewhere. I’ve developed as a player here and the team has a bright future."

Dragons Rugby Manager Robert Beale has expressed his delight at the signings.

"We are delighted to have retained the services of all four players. It forms a key part of our ongoing development policy and these four players have been provided with opportunities and have readily made the most of them.

"I’m delighted that Wayne has signed this two-year contract extension. He has proven over and over his value to the region. This contract is a well-earned reward for his hard work and we are looking forward to him getting back on the pitch to continue his career development.

"Martyn Thomas is an exciting young talent and this contract shows that we have faith in him to fulfill his potential with the region and become a regular member of the regional side.

"I’m really pleased to have reached agreement with Aled. He is one of the more consistent players this season and his return to the Dragons has kick-started his career again – allowing him to show some quality form. Aled knows what he needs to work on but he is one of a few players who have the dynamism and energy to change a game in our favour and we are very pleased to have secured him at Rodney Parade.

"I am genuinely thrilled for Tom Riley. Having worked alongside Tom seven years ago as an under 18 player, I am well aware of his abilities. He was presented with an opportunity at the start of the season which he has grasped with both hands and very much deserves this contract – not only for his playing abilities but also for his work ethic and professional attitude on and off the pitch which are outstanding."

DRAGONS DEFEATED IN WORST GAME OF SEASON

Newport Gwent Dragons lost in a poor game against Llanelli Scarlets at Rodney Parade in the Magners League.

The West Walians can count themselves lucky that despite a poor display by them the Dragons were even worse. The Scarlets' clear advantage in the centre of midfield ultimately was the difference between the two sides.

Jonathon Davies and Sean Lamont exposed the Dragons' defence on a number of occasions with Matthew Watkins particularly vulnerable. Watkins missed a tackle on Davies who passed to Rhys Priestland to score the only try of the game in the first half. Other than that it was an even battle with the kickers exchanging penalties or field goals but with little or no creative play from either side.

Rhys Priestland put the Scarlets five points ahead with a fine key from the touchline with fifteen minutes to play. As it to confirm the point about creativity the Dragons battered away for over five minutes right at the end in an attempt to cross the Scarlets line with in excess of thirty phases of play in which they moved the Scarlets defence little more than eight metres.

Unfortunately, they were held up over the Llanelli line and Pontyberem referee Nigel Owens had no hesitation in blowing his whistle for no-side. It was a pulsating end to a drab encounter.

Newport Gwent Dragons 9 Llanelli Scarlets 14.

COUNTY OVERCOME FIGHTING WORCESTER

Newport County maintained their outstanding form with a hard-earned 1-0 win against battling opponents Worcester City at Spytty Park this afternoon.

Having struggled to gain an advantage the Exiles were granted an opportunity following the dismissal of defender Shabir Khan for an off the ball against Kerry Morgan after 68 minutes. Following the intervention of the linesman Khan was sent off for use of the elbow. The Worcester player was incensed by the decision and a melee ensued. But Newport seized their chance, penning the West Midlanders back.

With eleven minutes to play Morgan found Foley with a cross and he scored from three yards out. County are fourteen points ahead of second placed Woking with a game in hand.

Attendance - 2505.