BOURNEMOUTH loanee Nathan Moriah-Welsh is aiming to get one over on the Cherries’ South Coast rivals Portsmouth tonight and help Newport County AFC claim another cup scalp, writes Andrew Penman.

Moriah-Welsh made his first start and claimed his first goal as the Exiles fought back from 1-0 down to beat Tranmere Rovers 2-1 at Rodney Parade on Saturday.

And now he wants to add his name to the list of County’s cup heroes as Portsmouth come to Rodney Parade in the second round of the Carabao Cup (kick-off 7.45pm).

The 20-year-old signed the day after the Exiles’ 3-2 win at Championship club Luton Town in the first round earlier this month.

And he’s studied their recent cup victories over Leeds United and Leicester City and high-profile clashes with the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City, West Ham United and Newcastle United online.

“I’m looking forward to it,” he said. “Portsmouth is a big club in the league above us, but we showed against Luton that it’s not going to faze us. We have the belief that we can win the game and get through to the next round.

“I’ve watched a few of the cup games on YouTube and I want to be a part of that now,” he added.

“Hopefully we can do that again against Portsmouth and get an even bigger team in the next round – anyone but Bournemouth!”

Another victory would help James Rowberry’s men build momentum after picking up a much-needed three points on Saturday.

“The lads are buzzing,” said Moriah-Welsh, who cancelled out Aaron Lewis’ own goal before Omar Bogle scored the winner from the spot.

“I wanted to make a good impression and I want to make the Newport fans proud.

“I’m happy with the goal but you can’t really dwell on that and get excited. I’ve got goals and aspirations for the season, and I’ve just got to keep going and keep striving for them.

“We showed unbelievable heart and character, and we’ll just keep striving to be the best we can be,” he added.

“I think we can build on this now. The first three points will do us the world of good and we need to keep going and pushing and get as many points as possible.”

Moriah-Welsh’s goal was created by fellow loanee Thierry Nevers, and he revealed afterwards that he played a part in bringing the West Ham forward to Newport.

“I’ve known Thierry for years – since I was 15 or 16 – we were at Reading together, so it’s quite a match made in heaven for us to be here together,” he said.

“Thierry did message me [before he came], and I did persuade him, and the gaffer spoke to me [about him] as well so you can call me Agent Nathan!

“We can help each other out and the link-up showed on the pitch. The chemistry is there, and we’ve got Boges [Bogle] as well, who is like a big brother on the pitch. He really helped us through the game at times.”