LIAM Sercombe expects Oxford United will stick to their principles despite the nature of the playing surface at Rodney Parade.

Newport County share the facilities with two rugby teams and the pitch has suffered.

But United have the best away record in the Football League and while Sercombe is expecting a challenge, the midfielder is confident they can still be effective.

He said: “I think this could be one of the worst pitches.

“I know it’s sandy but we will be able to cope with that and play our way.

“We’ve been to places with not great pitches this year and done pretty well.

“The manager says we have to be a team for all seasons and that’s exactly the same now.”