NEWPORT County AFC take on Welsh League Division One side Undy AFC in their first pre-season friendly tonight (kick-off 7pm) and Undy boss Laurence Owen is expecting to face a number of the Exiles first team stars.

Owen is a close friend of County manager Michael Flynn and he believes the League Two side will bring a stronger squad than they did for last summer’s friendly at The Causeway.

“I’m expecting that their team will be a scattering of first team players as well as a few trialists and a few young boys,” said the Tigers manager.

“We will be missing quite a few of our regulars because it’s still holiday season.

“Gyles Thompson, Chris Parry, Olly Beckett and Paul Clayton are all away and they are a bit gutted to be missing the match.

South Wales Argus:

“Gareth Cullimore (above) and Marcus Power will be the main threats for us.

“But it’s not really about the result and it does give others a chance to impress. They are relishing the opportunity.

“We’ve been back in training for just over a week now and we’re looking forward to the match,” he added.

“The club is run by volunteers and we don’t have a playing budget – our lads play for the love of it – so this match is a good money-spinner for us.

“It will help us throughout the season so hopefully we get a decent crowd and everyone enjoys a good game.”

Owen is a long-term County supporter and he is full of praise for the job that Flynn has done since he replaced Graham Westley in March.

He watched the Exiles complete the Great Escape with a last-gasp victory over Notts County in May, a win that secured their Football League status.

“I’m a big County fan,” he said “I first went to watch them at Somerton Park 40 years ago and I watch them whenever I can.

“That is usually only two or three times a season now because the fixtures clash with ours at Undy.

“But I was there for the final game of last season against Notts County.

“The last few minutes were unbelievable and I was made up for Michael.

“What he achieved was incredible. He’s a great man-manager and a real motivator.

“He should have a statue in Newport after pulling off the Great Escape.

“I managed to catch him for a drink afterwards and we do speak two or three times a week.

“We got to know each other when he was let go by Terry Butcher in the summer of 2015.

“He came to Undy and became co-manager with me and played a few games.

“We hit it off straightaway but then County came calling again and he hasn’t looked back since then.

“I think they’ll do a lot better this season. I’ve got every confidence in Michael.”

Owen is confident that his side can also continue their recent success in the Welsh League.

“We finished seventh in our first season in the Welsh League Division One and that was superb because it’s the highest level the club has ever played,” he said.

“If we can match that it would be a big achievement but as long as we stay out of the bottom three it will be a good season.”

Tickets for tonight’s match cost £5 for adults and £3 for concessions.

County also play at Swindon Supermarine tomorrow (kick-off 3pm).