HAVANT and Waterlooville boss Shaun Gale insists his side will be focused on today's clash at Spytty Park despite their dream FA Cup clash away at Liverpool next Saturday, writes Mark Pickering.
The Hampsire side have no time to savour their mid-week heroics against Swansea City with a return to league duties at County this afternoon (kick-off 3pm) certain to prove a stern challenge for the giant killers.
"It's difficult to focus with Liverpool coming up but the league is our bread and butter," said Gale.
"We're on on a massive high right now and it's great for the club."
Despite their headline-grabbing cup run, which has seen them conquer York City and Notts County as well as League One leaders Swansea, the Hawks are 12th in the Blue Square South but crucially only six-points of the play-offs.
"We need to pick up points in the league and we're working towards that against Newport," said Gale.
Havant, who are the only non-league side still in the FA Cup, welcome back cup-tied trio Craig Watkins, Gary Elphick and Charlie Henry for the trip to the Exiles.
Those returning will be unlikely to displace Wed-nesday's heroes who raced to a 3-0 lead against Swansea before eventually seeing off the promotion-chasers 4-2 to spark wild celebrations.
Hawks boss Gale is aware of the task at hand against Newport today and is expecting a difficult afternoon in south Wales.
"Newport are a good side and we know it'll be a tough game down there," added Gale.
"The conditions will work against both sides but we'll be confident."
The former Havant player, who was a popular appointment in October, is still coming to terms with the irresistible prospect of taking the non-leaguers to Anfield, home of Premiership giants and seven-time FA Cup winners Liverpool.
"It's just about sinking in now," he explained.
"We've had a manic week and I haven't been off the phone. It's fantastic for a team at our level to have achieved what we have - I can't think of any other non-league side that has done what we have.
"Next Saturday will be a great occasion for the fans and the club, but first we must focus on Newport."
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