NEWPORT County AFC will take another step forward with their new style when they face Pontypridd on Tuesday evening, says midfielder Aaron Wildig.
The Exiles blew away the cobwebs with a 4-1 win against Undy AFC on Saturday thanks to goals by Michael Spellman, Courtney Baker-Richardson, Kiban Rai and Luke Jephcott at the Causeway.
After facing Ardal SE opposition, County step things up against a side from Cymru South in Treforest and then face Barry Town United of Cymru Premier on Saturday.
Pre-season is never about the results but experienced campaigner Wildig was encouraged by the Undy outing after a summer of change, with 10 new signings and the hunt for a new boss after the departure of Graham Coughlan.
“It was a really good work-out for us,” said Wildig, who captained the side in the opening 45 minutes. “It was all about getting through the game and gaining valuable minutes.
“Pre-season has obviously been different with the coaching department this year and with the new style of play, so it was about taking on new information and building positive connections with the new players.
“Getting goals in pre-season is always important, especially when it comes to building momentum. Momentum in pre-season can be huge, particularly for forward players, and that’s what I said to the lads before the game.
“It was great to see Courtney get on the scoresheet. It was a great strike from him on his return and so was Kiban’s.
"As a team, we’re going to need people to score goals, so it was great that all four of them found the net.
“To see some of the boys get off the mark so early on is only a good thing, which will hopefully set us up well going into another positive week."
County, who are being coached by new arrival Nelson Jardim, Dafydd Williams and James Hollman while Jenkins secures a new boss, now get ready for a game on familiar territory when they face Ponty at USW Sports Park, where they often train.
“It’s just about building more minutes and building on today’s performance," said Wildig. “At this stage, it’s all about getting everyone up to full speed ready for the big kick-off in August.”
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