Gray shuffles pack for visit of Newport (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Gray shuffles pack for visit of Newport

9:12am Monday 1st March 2010 in

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FRANK Gray is contemplating changing his system ahead of Basingstoke Town’s home game against runaway Blue Square South leaders Newport County.

The Town manager has been utilising a 4-4-2 formation in recent weeks but admits that putting an extra man in the centre of the park may be a good idea against a creative Newport team at the Camrose tomorrow night (kick-off 7.45pm).

“We know the way they play and might try a different system,” Gray said.

“There is the possibility of putting another man in midfield to shore things up but we have got to make sure we are positive as well as stopping Newport |playing.”

If he does decide to go with a five man midfield, Gray is most likely to opt for a 3-5-2 formation, with Jide Ogunbote joining Tom Williamson and Steve Laidler in the engine room.

However, while he may be considering altering his tactics to deal with the threat offered by Newport, who have lost just once all season and are 21 points clear at the top of the table, Gray insists his side will not be afraid of the Welsh outfit.

“We have got to show them respect but we will not be |overawed or intimidated,” he said.

“If we play well, we could get a result and we will not make it easy for them, that’s for sure.

“We have to make sure they know they have been in a battle. We cannot afford to sit back and let them dictate.

“They are not as direct as most sides but we’ve got to try and stop them, upset their rhythm as much as we can.

“We will not stand back and admire them but try and get in amongst them.”

A Town side decimated by injury lost 1-0 when they travelled to Newport earlier in the season but Gray was pleased with the way his side played that day and is looking for a repeat performance.

Getting anything out of the game would give Town’s home form a timely boost. Gray’s men have lost their last four games at the Camrose and have won just once since August at home – something the boss says he will not be focussing on during his pre-match team talk.

“I do not want to put negative thoughts into the players’ heads so we will not be mentioning the home form before the game,” he said. “Of course we want to turn it around but we have to treat the game like any other.”

Basingstoke should be fresh after enjoying a free weekend and Gray with Miles Mitchell-Coop and Lewis Christon back in the reckoning, Gray should have a fully fit squad to pick from.