NEWPORT County AFC manager Justin Edinburgh has called for more of the same from his players and the fans as the Exiles face their third home game in eight days tonight.

The Exiles host Braintree Town in the FA Cup first round replay for the right to travel to Kidderminster Harriers in round two.

The Conference club earned a 1-1 draw in Essex on November 9 but since then Edinburgh’s men have been in fine form and Rodney Parade was rocking as the hosts scored five goals without reply last week.

Portsmouth were dispatched 3-0 in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy on Tuesday night before the 2-0 win in League Two against Hartlepool United on Friday night.

“Braintree Town is our third home game on the trot and let's hope that despite the tough match ahead of us the result will be the same as the previous two,” said Edinburgh.

“We had a hard game against Hartlepool on Friday night and came out 2-0 winners. The players deserve a huge amount of credit for that result.

“Their work rate and the way they were pressing and dispossessing Hartlepool was a pleasure to watch. I was really pleased with that performance.

“Obviously I am delighted with the players and the way the season is progressing,” he added.

“I feel we have been competitive and continued with the momentum from last season.”

The Exiles boss reserved special praise for the County fans and urged the Amber Army to continue their vocal support in the FA Cup tonight.

“With the fans behind us we have made Rodney Parade a fortress and my thanks must again go to the fans,” he said.

“You really are fantastic and your vocal support makes such a difference.

“Please keep it up tonight and we will hopefully repay that by progressing into the next round of the cup and the tie away at Kidderminster.”

The Exiles suffered no fresh injury concerns on Friday but will still be without the suspended David Pipe.

Goalkeeper Jamie Stephens is on standby with Lenny Pidgeley’s partner due to give birth imminently but the former Chelsea stopper is expected to play and Lee Minshull is back to full fitness.

Andrew Hughes returned to training yesterday after recovering from a hamstring injury but is unlikely to be risked tonight.

Andy Sandell has also begun light training and Aaron O‘Connor has followed Byron Anthony in heading to St George’s Park, the English FA headquarters, for a week of intensive rehab on his groin injury.