Newport County AFC are gunning for their most successful season since being reformed 13 years ago - and travel to Welling United tomorrow (3pm) hoping to make it five games unbeaten.

The Exiles' highest pyramid placing was seventh in the Southern Premier Division in 1999-2000 and there is a realistic chance Tim Harris' men can better that record and finish fifth in the now Dr Martens Premier League this term.

There were high expectations around Newport Stadium at the start of the campaign as the club aimed for the Nationwide Conference.

But if County's staff and fans alike take a step back and realise what they have achieved this season, for example the amazing FA Cup run ended by Second Division Blackpool in a first round replay in front of the Sky television cameras, they might just have accepted that last August.

However, County boss Harris (pictured) and his players know the season is far from over. If they win their remaining three games, away at relegation-threatened Welling and home to Havant and Waterlooville and Chelmsford City, they will finish fifth.

County are boosted by the return from injury of 17-goal striker Lee Phillips, who is on loan at County for the rest of the season from cash-strapped Weymouth, and young midfielder Allan Stevenson, who has impressed since making the jump from the youth team.

But Harris warned: "Welling are struggling down the bottom of the table and will scrap for everything."

County's Kent hosts are in 15th position but are only three points above the dreaded drop-zone and a win at Park View Road will almost see them safe for another season. Harris added: "They are a very big, strong side who try and intimidate you, but we have got to match them.

"We'll try and get the ball on the deck and play good football, but we'll need to battle as well."

Harris is still without midfield duo Darren Ryan (back) and Nathan Davies (ankle) and defender Steve Benton (knee).

Newport County (from) : P Mountain, D Robison (c), S Walker, B Clark, A Thomas, J Eckhardt, S Cowe, M Rose, A Stevenson, M Fowler, L Phillips, M Paul, R Edwards, S James, R French.