UPDATE: TODAY'S Newport County v Barnet match has been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch at Rodney Parade.

 

THE Newport County AFC players got some valuable target practice with a paintballing session in midweek and now they’re aiming to shoot down Barnet at Rodney Parade.

Manager Warren Feeney sent his squad off for the team bonding exercise on Tuesday following last Saturday’s 2-1 win at Morecambe.

And, ahead of today’s home clash with Barnet, defender Danny Holmes says the experience has done the team good.

“It was young v old and the older players won because the younger ones haven’t got big hearts like us,” said the 27-year-old, who singled out captain Mark Byrne for his shooting prowess.

“We basically ran towards them and they were just cowering behind something so it was a pretty easy victory in the end.

“Byrno was pretty good – he kept grabbing a barrel and he’s only small so it covered his whole body and he was able to shoot quite a few people.

“It’s good because you have got to work as a team so it is beneficial and it’s good to get away with the lads and do something away from football.

“Hopefully the target practice will stand us in good stead against Barnet.”

Exiles boss Feeney said: “It was important – I’m all for team spirit and team morale.

“It was a good for the players to get together and bond as a team.

“They’ve got to stay together and those little things help us staying in this league.

“In training the next day the work ethic was good and they started to shout at each other in the right way.

“I don’t like people getting personal but I want them to give constructive criticism and I’m pleased with it,” he added.

“I think a lot of that comes from your experienced players and Darren Jones coming in has been fantastic for me.

“He knows his role and he’s a local lad and he’s brought a few of the players on leaps and bounds.”

Holmes says the seven new arrivals in January has settled in quickly but he admits that Matt Taylor, who was released on Monday, will be missed in the dressing room.

“They’ve all fitted in really well – we’ve got a great group here and we make everyone feel welcome,” he said.

“Matt was a massive character in the dressing room and I think all the lads are missing him but that’s football.

“It’s like ships in the night – one comes in and one goes. But he’s one I’ll definitely keep in touch with.”