STRIKER Frank Nouble is determined to end his “embarrassing” five-game goal drought at Crawley Town tomorrow.

Nouble hit five goals in his first four League Two games for Newport County AFC, culminating in a superb hat-trick to see off Chesterfield, to earn the player of the month award for August.

But September has not been so kind to the 6ft 3ins front man who celebrated his 26th birthday on Sunday.

Nouble has targeted 20 goals for the season and he’s desperate to add some more to his tally as the Exiles take on Crawley at the Checkatrade Stadium.

“I’m a quarter of the way in now so hopefully at Crawley, I can get two or three,” he told iFollow Exiles.

“I haven’t scored for five games now and it’s getting embarrassing.

“But it’s not just about me. If the strikers can score 30 goals between us then we’ll be in the play-offs minimum and that’s our target.”

Nouble is targeting points as well as goals tomorrow night as County look to end a run of four successive defeats on the road in all competitions.

“It will be another tough game at Crawley but it’s another game where we have to go there and get three points,” he said.

“I’ve never lost at Crawley. I actually relegated them one year on the final game of the season with Coventry City.

“We beat them that day so I’m going to remember that and hopefully go down there and win again.

“Hopefully we can get another result because it keeps the momentum going,” he added.

“I hate not having a midweek game so I think the boys are ready.

“There’s no one to be scared of in the league to be honest with you.

“There’s no Real Madrid or Barcelona in League Two so we just have to go and battle.

“As long as we put in a shift like we did [on Saturday] then we can definitely go there and get a result.”

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Nouble’s strike partner Padraig Amond got the only goal of the game as County beat Grimsby Town 1-0 at Rodney Parade on Saturday and he’s enjoying playing with the Irishman.

“He did very well and got his goal,” he said. “I’m going to claim the assist because I flicked it on.

“He’s settled in really well and that’s what we want from a new player.

“It’s difficult to build any kind of relationship over just three or four games but as long as we keep scoring the odd goal here and there then we’ll be fine.

“As long as we’re winning and the manager can trust us up-front that’s all that matters really.”

Nouble also welcomed the return of captain Joss Labadie and defender Mark O’Brien at the weekend.

“You always need the spine of the team playing week in, week out,” he said.

“Obviously Mark O’Brien and Joss Labadie were here last year and they really set the tone.

“When they are not there it is a big hole to cover but they only missed two games.

“They are back now, we won the game and everyone will be ready for Crawley.”