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Dean Holdsworth

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Saturday's Blue Square South Preview

League leaders Newport County will be looking to build on their eight point lead at the top of the Blue Square South standings when they travel to lowly Lewes on Saturday.

County boss Dean Holdsworth is in buoyant mood heading into the tie, but is refusing to underestimate his opponents.

He told WalesOnline: "It's a fantastic achievement to be where we are.

"But we have won nothing yet and need to show some mettle at Lewes because there is nothing like playing a team that is struggling. They are the ones that go the extra yard to tackle.

"We know Lewes are quite handy at home and they will be difficult opponents out to prove a point," added the County boss.

"But if we have ambitions of promotion we have to stand up and be counted."

Lewes have been dealt a massive setback ahead of the tie with skipper Danny Cullip aggravating a hamstring injury which will keep him on the sidelines for a while longer.

Lewes boss Steve Ibbitson told the Argus: "Danny has had a setback. He had a scan earlier this week which suggested that the injury is worse than we had gathered.

"We know it is a very serious injury which is why it has taken so long."

Striker Chamal Fenelon, who has rejoined the club has been added to the squad for the tie.

In the pick of the weekend's Blue Square South games second placed Dover will host third placed Thurrock at Perry's Crabble Stadium.

The Fleet will be looking to bounce back after their FA Trophy exit at the hands of Havant and Waterlooville.

Manager Hakan Hayrettin will be hoping for a much-improved performance after admitting that his side were below par, but he knows his side face a tough fixture against a Dover outfit flying high after they overcame Dartford to go through to the next phase of the Trophy.

Elsewhere, fourth-placed Woking will be looking to make up some ground on the frontrunners when they host the lowly Dorchester while Basingstoke will entertain Welling at the Camrose Stadium.

Saturday's Blue Square South Fixtures:

Basingstoke v Welling

Braintree Town v Eastleigh

Bromley v St Albans

Chelmsford v Weston-S-Mare

Dover v Thurrock

Havant and W v Maidenhead Utd

Lewes v Newport County

Woking v Dorchester

Worcester v Bishop's Stortford