NEWTOWN host Flint Town United in the JD Cymru Premier match of the day on Saturday.

The sides are currently separated by just goal difference with the second placed Deesiders making the trip to the third placed Robins.

Manager Chris Hughes praised the north Wales side's improvement this season.

"Neil Gibson did a great job at Prestatyn and he has done the same at Flint which everyone can see," said Hughes. "They have signed last season's best player in Mike Wilde and they deservedly beat us in the reverse fixture.

"However Saturday will be a different game and while we know it will be a test we also know that we are more than capable."

The crunch clash was curiously not selected by S4C to be televised despite the high stakes.

Hughes was not overly concerned and insisted the squad were focused for a crunch festive schedule, starting with the visit of Flint before back to back games against Cardiff Met.

"The squad has been fantastic over the past year," said Hughes. "It is a tough Christmas programme but one we are looking forward to."

Newtown go into the game on the back of a derby win at Aberystwyth Town last week.

Hughes drew positives and negatives from the 4-2 win, saying "I was disappointed with the two goals we conceded but we created a lot of chances on the night and could have scored a few more."

Meanwhile Hughes admitted nobody could second guess the Welsh Government's decisions regarding a potential lockdown.

Last year a government imposed lockdown was declared before Christmas.

"We do not know any more than fans," said Hughes. "At the moment we are taking each day as it comes and awaiting Welsh Government rules. It is far from ideal but we cannot change the situation."

Hughes has not ruled out strengthening when the January transfer window opens.

"We have had some good transfer windows and we may look to strengthen again," said Hughes.

"If something landed in our lap we would definitely consider it."