EXILES READY FOR YOU, UNITED!

HAVING dealt with the dragons of Wrexham, Exiles boss Graham Coughlan is ready to set his mind on the task of facing the Red Devils of Manchester.

- Matt Harris

Coughlan praised his players for keeping their cool in a red-hot atmosphere as Newport warmed up for taking on Manchester United in the FA Cup next week with victory over ten-man Wrexham.

A temporary stand has been put up at Rodney Parade to boost the capacity for the visit of Erik Ten Hag’s men in the FA Cup next Sunday and it meant that 9,537 packed out the ground for the all-Welsh derby.

Wrexham defender Will Boyle was shown a straight red for a studs-up challenge on Shane McLoughlin after just 18 minutes.

And Seb Palmer-Houlden headed in the only goal of the game after 34 minutes to earn the host all three points. Coughlan felt his side used the support to their advantage and he insisted that they were on top before the red card.

“The atmosphere was noisy, and it was intense. It was really enjoyable for our players and fans, who have gone home happy,” said the Irishman.

“The atmosphere was always going to be a tester and we stood up to it and kept our discipline. The place was bouncing and I was really pleased the group kept their composure.