The rigours of the league are left behind tonight as Newport County face Chippenham Town in the Dr Martens League Cup third round tie, at Spytty Park (kick-off 7.45pm), writes Michael Gannon.

County have been under pressure of late, and have responded with some great festive results in a run which has seen them lose one game from the last 12.

The Exiles have hit a rich vein of form, especially away from home, so they will be hoping to put on a show in front of the home fans tonight.

County are back in the hunt for promotion, as the are just nine points off top spot following Saturday's emphatic 3-0 away win against Havant and Waterlooville.

But their Spytty Park form is not nearly as good, with only four wins in the whole of 2003 but they did manage to start 2004 win a home win against Bath City and hope to continue the good form against bottom of the Premier Division Chippenham.

County boss Nicholas' main priority is getting the Exiles up the league but still hopes for a run in the cup.

He said: "If we can get through this match then we would be away to Tiverton Town and have a good chance to go quite far."

Newport's less than glowing home form means there will be no letting up as they aim to show the class that has given them one of the best away records in the league.

County have almost a clean bill of health, with only Scott Morgan doubtful with a touch of flu.

The match may prove to be an opportunity for Nicholas to bring in some of the younger players for vital match experience but the County boss has no intention of jeopardising the result with a casual approach to the game.

"We will be taking it seriously and I will be looking for a high standard from players," Nicholas added.

Newport County (from) Roberts, Evans, Lloyd, Davies, Eckhardt, Morgan, S Williams, A Williams, Moralee, Shephard, G Phillips, J Phillips, Stevenson, Thomas.