Craig Hicks to referee Newport County away clash

The Surrey-based official will travel to Rodney Parade for his 31st game of the campaign and 10th in Sky Bet League Two. The current campaign is Hicks' fourth in the EFL.

His first game of the campaign was in the Carabao Cup as he oversaw Leyton Orient's 2-1 away win at Forest Green Rovers. Meanwhile, he took charge of Rochdale and Blackpool last Tuesday issuing four yellow cards in the 1-0 home win at Spotland, including one to former Iron midfielder Matthew Lund.

He was fourth official to James Linington in the Championship fixture between Queens Park Rangers and promoted side Norwich City at the weekend.

Hicks has taken charge of just three previous Iron fixtures, the last coming at the start of last month at the Abbey Stadium when we took all three points at then-league leaders Cambridge United. Two yellow cards were issued in that game, both to the home side, although he did dismiss Cameron Burgess in another previous fixture in a defeat at Southend United. That red card accompanied five yellows.

Meanwhile, he's refereed Newport County on seven past occasions. The last came against Grimsby Town in February when the Exiles won 1-0 despite playing over half of the game with ten men. Across the seven games, Hicks has issued 22 yellow cards and two reds.

In 2019-20, he took charge of 28 games, issuing 90 yellow cards and four reds. So far in this campaign, he has officiated in 30 encounters, showing 85 yellows and four red cards.

On Tuesday, he will be assisted by Andrew Hendley and Richard Morris, while Chris Sarginson has been appointed as the fourth official.

PAST SCUNTHORPE UNITED ENCOUNTERS

PAST NEWPORT COUNTY ENCOUNTERS