Monday sees one of the biggest days in the Football League calendar finally arrive as the League Two Play-Off final takes place.
Newport County and Morecambe will go head-to-head at Wembley for a place in League One next season.
Carlow man Pádraig Amond could lead the line for the Welsh side as they go in search of a historical victory.
Amond, who joined Mike Flynn’s side in 2017, didn’t downplay the magnitude of Monday’s game when he spoke to KCLR’s Scoreline.
“There’s no getting away from it, it’s a huge occasion. It’s the biggest game of the season.
“We’ve been here before so we shouldn’t be overawed by Wembley or the magnitude of the game. Hopefully we can just enjoy it and get promoted,” said Amond.
The former Shamrock Rovers striker is excited about the prospect of taking to the hallowed turf at Wembley Stadium on Monday, but revealed that it is a lonely place for the losing side.
“It’s only a great stadium to be in when you win because when you lose it’s horrible.
“However, it has great history and I’ve been lucky to play there on a number of occasions over the last six years so I’m looking forward to getting back out there again.”
A key factor in Newport’s recent success has been manager Mike Flynn. The Newport boss managed to guide County to safety at the expense of Amond’s Hartlepool in 2017 and will lead his side out on Monday on the brink of promotion.
Amond believes “the gaffer” has been instrumental in bringing Newport this far.
“I think when Michael took over Newport had a great escape and now, we are on the cusp of promotion. Everyone fights for each other and leaves everything on the pitch and that’s all the supporters ask for.
“Those traits have gone a long way to helping us achieve the success that we have had under Michael over the last few years.”
Amond was released by Monday’s opponents Morecambe following a two year spell with the club from 2013 – 201. However, Amond, who is Newport’s top scorer this season with nine goals, is not resentful of his former club.
He said: “It’s just another game that I want to win. There’s no animosity from me towards Morecambe because most of the players and the staff who were there when I was there are gone, so I don’t want to prove anything wrong.
“It doesn’t matter who I’m playing against I just want to win.”
Amond has scored famous goals throughout his Newport career against the likes of Tottenham, Leicester and Manchester City. He admitted that he does visualize scoring on Monday, but is more concentrated on sealing promotion.
“Of course, I think about scoring the winner, but I would happily not kick a football if it meant we promote.
“The only thing that matters is getting the win and we just desperately want to get over the line and make it to League One.”
Listen to the interview below:
