ECHOSPORT talks to Newport County fan Ed Bridges from the 1912 Exiles podcast ahead of Saturday's match at Roots Hall. 

What have you made of Newport’s season?

"It’s been a season of thirds!

"We were unstoppable until about November, then dreadful until the end of February after losing key loan players in the transfer window, and now we’ve come back strongly.

"When Southend beat us at Rodney Parade, we were at our lowest ebb but things have definitely improved.

"It’s always a rollercoaster watching County and this year has been no different!"

Are the play-offs guaranteed or how are you viewing the final day of the season?

"A point tomorrow will be good enough to guarantee a play-off berth.

"We could even lose and still make it into the playoffs. But to be honest – and with no disrespect to Southend – if we can’t get a good result against a side who are already down and out, we won’t deserve the chance of promotion anyway.

"I think we’ll go for the win and hopefully then get one of the higher playoff spots which guarantees a home game in the second leg."

Has this season exceeded expectation or was a promotion push expected?

"It depends who you ask.

"For a fan-owned club of our modest size, on a modest budget, and with no fans able to come in all season due to Welsh Government regulations, just keeping our heads above water would have been an achievement.

"Many of us hoped for more given how adept Michael Flynn has been at working with the tools he’s got – and we dared to dream when we were top in the autumn – but I think the playoffs is still a fine achievement.

"We’ve also played much more expansive football along the way than has been the case in previous seasons."

Who would you say is the dangerman?

"Our success has been built on a solid defence, and goals have sometimes been in short supply.

"The key players for us are therefore the ones in midfield who can create chances!

"Josh Sheehan – capped this season by Wales – develops the play from deep and can pick out a defence-splitting pass, and he forms a vital partnership with captain and all round hard man Joss Labadie."

What’s the team news for the weekend?

"We’ve been unchanged for the last three games, so we’re not expecting changes.

"Consistency in the last month has made a big difference for us, and I think we’ll want to get the job done and keep confidence high for the play-offs."