HOT-SHOT Garry Shephard believes Newport County "should not fear" Dr Martens Premier League pace-setters Worcester City in the FA Trophy Third Round.

The Exiles' 2-1 Newport Stadium victory against Epsom and Ewell on Saturday guaranteed their passage through in a game where striker Shephard (pictured) scored his 47th County goal - making him the club's joint-third highest goal-scorer in their 13 year history.

But the 26-year-old isn't worried about beating Newport County landmarks, he wants to hit 20 goals this season and prove himself to new boss Peter Nicholas as his contract expires next summer.

Firstly, the fans' favourite spoke about the difficult task County face when they visit St George's Lane on Saturday, January 11 (3pm) in Round Three of the exclusively non-league knock-out competition.

Newport have never made it through to Round Four of the FA Trophy - but Shephard sees no reason why they can't progress this term.

"We should not fear anyone," he insists.

"The club have got very good players in every position, but we need to be more consistent. "Games at Worcester are always tough but there never seems to be a shortage of goals and I don't think that will be any different in the Trophy."

County's 2-1 defeat at Worcester in the Dr Martens League earlier this season was their sixth defeat in 16 games against the Midlanders - and Newport have only beaten them on three occasions. Nicholas' men also welcome City at Newport Stadium 16 days before on Boxing Day (1pm).

On a personal note, Shephard's first aim of the season is to notch-up 50 career goals for Newport - then he reassured County's supporters: "I don't want to leave Newport County.

"I love the club. My contract is up at the end of the season but I must prove myself to the new manager to make sure it gets renewed."

Nicholas knows what Shephard, signed from Merthyr Tydfil in February 2000, is capable of and his record of 47 County goals in just 118 games proves his goal-scoring prowess.

Chris Lilygreen is No 1 on County's goal-scoring charts with 93 goals, while Karl Bayliss is second on 50 with Shephard and Lee Brown joint on 47 goals.