Barnet vs Newport County - Luke Coulson eyeing debut at Barnet host Newport

Posted Friday, January 20, 2017 by PA

Barnet could hand new signing Luke Coulson his first start for the club as they prepare to host Newport.

Midfielder Coulson became the Bees' fifth addition of the January transfer window after joining from Vanarama National League side Eastleigh on Wednesday and is line to start on Saturday.

Interim boss Rossi Eames will be without left-back Sam Muggleton after the 21-year-old was signed by Eastleigh this week while forward Simeon Akinola and defender David Tutonda are pushing for their first starts with the hosts.

Goalkeeper Jamie Stephens (groin) remains a doubt but James Pearson (knee), Michael Gash (knee), Shaun Batt (hamstring), Ben Tomlinson (quad) and Bira Dembele (calf) are all unavailable.

Newport boss Graham Westley is expected to keep faith with the majority of players who started last week's 1-1 draw with play-off hopefuls Colchester.

But new signings Mickey Demetriou and Alex Samuel, who is on loan from Swansea, both played 90 minutes for the reserves in midweek and could come into contention.

Ben Tozer and Jack Compton will not be involved after being told they are free to find new clubs.

Lenell John-Lewis, Jamie Turley and Joss Labadie remain sidelined by injury.