NEWTOWN bid to derail local rivals TNS’ title bid, while also boosting their own survival hopes on Saturday (2.30pm).
The two rivals have been inseparable at Latham Park in recent seasons, with two consecutive goalless draws recorded.
Newtown assistant manager Rhys Stephens said: “We have a great record against TNS and it should be another great derby this weekend.
“We have been in form over the last few weeks and getting something out of the TNS game would set us up nicely for the rest of the season. It has been a stop-start season but since the new lads joined in January we have been playing really well.”
Adam Worton re-iterated the desire among the players to hit back after last weekend’s 4-2 defeat at Rhyl.
“We were gutted to concede a few late goals,” said the Knighton-based midfielder. “It was a real kick in the teeth after playing so well for 85 of the 90 minutes.
“However we cannot be too disheartened because as a team we have been playing really well since the turn of the year and we fear nobody.
“TNS are a big test but we showed against Neath and Rhyl that we can match anyone on our day and we have a great record against TNS at Latham Park.”
Worton joined the Robins following a brief spell at Caersws, after being released by Hereford United in 2006.
Worton has since become a terrace favourite with 78 appearances in five years at Latham Park.
“I had a brief spell at Caersws but Newtown is my club and I think it would be a disaster for everyone involved if we missed out on being in the 12 club league next season,” he said.
“The club is superbly run and has the best facilities in the league. The players are doing their part and it is important we put in 100 per cent in every game.”
Worton added: “The new lads have come in and been a revelation. Paul Roberts is a top striker and Dave Roberts is a great goalkeeper, who has kept three clean sheets since he arrived.”
Newtown are stretched this weekend with Craig Hutchinson unavailable and midfield partner Gavin Cadwallader joining Damien Daniels in serving a suspension.
Meanwhile TNS could hand a first league start to Chris Sharp, following his arrival from Bangor City last month.
Spokesman Gordon Evans said: “He is a top player and has fitted in really well. He is keen to get a start and he will be included in the squad.
“Newtown have a good record against us and it is fair to say that they have been our achilles heel since Darren Ryan took over.
“They are a decent side and showed that by beating Neath and handing Rhyl a major fright last week. We’ll have to be at our best because there is no such thing as an easy three points in this league."