Newtown boss Hughes relishing Barry challenge after rest

The Robins have enjoyed a free weekend since their defeat to Connah’s Quay a fortnight ago and while Hughes is expecting a tough game in South Wales, he is keen to pick up points.

He said: “The break we had last week is one of those things, we’ve had a big volume of games, and have been carrying a few bruised and battered bodies.

“There are still a few players doubtful for Saturday but we trained well in the rest period and we will just kick on now.”

Second-placed Barry have enjoyed a strong start to the season and are challenging for the title, but Hughes believes on their day his eighth-place Robins are capable of putting a dent in their title hopes.

When the sides met at Latham Park earlier in the season, Barry took the points in a 3-2 win, goals from Sion Spence, Keyon Reffell and a Kayne McLaggon penalty overcoming goals from Joe Kenton and Alex Fletcher for the Robins.

Hughes added: “Barry have done really well since they came back into the league, and qualified for Europe.

“They’ve got a manager (Gavin Chesterfield) who I’ve got a lot of time for. They’ve recruited well, gone for a different type of player and it’s going to be a tough game.

“We were a bit aggrieved to get nothing out of the game when we played them at the start of the season but we are going down there and know that any away game in this division is a tough one.”

In a twist of fate the Robins will be heading down to Jenner Park the following week for a Welsh Cup tie, but Hughes insists his Newtown side are concentrating firmly on the league clash.

“It’s one of those draws that gave me a wry smile”, he said.

“Going down there two weeks on the bounce is a bit ironic, but I’m sure they will turn out to be different games.

“We’re concentrating on the league game first and foremost because we need to put some points between us and those sides at the bottom, especially heading into the crucial Christmas period.”