NEWTOWN host Barry Town United on Saturday as the Robins bid to maintain their dream start to the second phase of the JD Cymru Premier season.

The Robins won 2-1 at leaders TNS last week to climb to fifth in the table.

“We will not go overboard in celebrating beating TNS, we’ve done it before after all,” said Hughes. “However it is a perfect start to the second phase of the season.

“Away at TNS for the first game was probably a fixture nobody would want but we deserved the win.

“Our players work rate was fantastic. The lads who came on also did a really good job and it was a strong performance and great result.”

Hughes insisted the result underlined the club’s worth as a top six club.

“We deserve to be in the top six after the first 22 games,” said Hughes. “This result shows that.

“The challenge now is Barry Town at home this weekend and continuing this great start to second phase.”

Meanwhile Hughes has been recognised for the club's December form by being crowned manager of the month.