Westley's Newport sacking didn't surprise Pool boss

The Exiles parted company with the former Preston North End man last Thursday after he left the South Wales club 11 points adrift of safety.

That gap to Cheltenham has now been cut to seven points with a game in hand after caretaker boss Mike Flynn masterminded two straight wins against Morecambe and Crewe Alexandra.

That makes Pool’s task a lot more difficult this weekend as Bowyer is well aware the Newport players will be fighting for their lives to maintain the club’s Football League status.

“They’ve won two out of two and it just shows you anybody can beat anybody in this league,” he said.

“Anybody is capable of putting a run together, no matter what your league position is, so we’re fully aware of the threat Newport present.

“I think the previous manager had only won one out of 20 so when it happened it didn’t come as a surprise.

“Amongst all the other surprises that come with managerial changes that one probably wasn’t as much of a shock as some of the others that are happening in the industry.

“As a result of that the same group of players have gone and won two out of two, so we’re aware it’s going to be a challenge for us. But it’s all about us and how we apply ourselves and go and play.”

One other issue Blackpool may have to factor in could be the Rodney Parade pitch which is notorious for being in a poor state thanks to the club having to share the ground with local rugby union side Newport Gwent Dragons.

Bowyer added: “The last couple of weeks, through no fault of Stan the groundsman, our pitch has deteriorated so we have to deal with that but we just get on with it and that’ll be the same this weekend.

“So we can’t use that as an excuse as it’s the same for both teams.”