Derek Adams is hoping to take his team to Anfield in The Emirates FA Cup third round
The prospect of an Emirates FA Cup trip to Anfield is what keeping Plymouth Argyle focused on the task of seeing off Newport County.
Pilgrims boss Derek Adams takes his team to Rodney Parade on Wednesday evening, after being held to a 0-0 draw by their League Two rivals in the first tie at Home Park.
And with the third round draw pairing the winners of this tie with Premier League giants Liverpool, there’s no shortage of motivation for both teams.
“We’re looking forward to the game,” said Adams, whose side sit on top of the League Two table whilst Newport are at the opposite end.
“It’s a big match. We all know that to progress to the next round we get an opportunity of playing Liverpool in the next round.
“For the players, they want to get through to the next round, and get to Anfield. There’s no more [motivation needed] than that.
“Liverpool awaits the winner; we’ll drum that into them and hopefully put on a really good performance.”
Given the differing fortunes of Plymouth and Newport so far this season – Argyle have already won at Rodney Parade in the league - most onlookers will expect Adams’ team to finish the job.
But the former Ross County manager knows the heat will be on in South Wales, where the pitch has been under extensive preparation in advance of the tie and will find Graham Westley’s team equally determined to progresss.
“It’s a big occasion for everybody,” he added. “That’s why the television cameras have chosen the game, because it’s an important fixture.
“There’s pressure; but then there’s pressure every week. It is a competition that the players, at the start of the season, wanted to do well in.
“It’s a difficult game because we are away from home, but it is a venue we have already won at this season.”
