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Saturday's Blue Square South Preview

Newport County have the chance to stretch their lead even further at the top of the table when they travel to Hampton & Richmond on Saturday afternoon.

The Exiles are flying at the top and are on course for what would be a fantastic promotion to the Blue Square Premier.

While Newport, who have lost just once this season, are targeting promotion and the title, The Beavers are looking to avoid the drop, with victories at home a must if they are to steer clear of relegation.

Craig Reid, who has grabbed 19 goals this season, should be available for the visitors after missing the recent clash with Chelmsford.

Glenn Pennyfather believes his Chelmsford City side are focussing on "twelve cup finals" between now and the end of the season as they look to begin their final push for promotion via a play-off place with a victory at struggling Lewes.

The Clarets remain in a prime position to secure a position in the top five but, having played more games than most of the teams around them, City's head coach knows it's vital to continue picking-up points in the dozen that remain.

He said: "We've been playing particularly well away from home and some of the better pitches suit our passing style of play. We look forward to all games, no matter what, and we'll be focussing on what could be twelve cup finals between now and the end of the season."

Lewes are third from bottom in the table and languish in the relegation zone, though results like the 6-2 win against much-fancied Dover Athletic on Boxing Day have wrestled them into a position of potential safety.

Pennyfather is aware City will have to be on their guard if they want to return with the points, adding: "Lewes have had some good and bad results but for us it's all about how we approach the game. As we always do, we have to make sure we set our stall out and maintain our application."

Braintree Town will want to hang on to second place when they entertain Bromley at the Cressing Road Stadium.

The Iron have a couple of games in hand over the clubs around them so they will not want to slip up at home.

The Ravens are also in the hunt for a play-off place and a victory away at one of their rivals will provide the team with a massive boost.

Struggling Weymouth travel to play-off chasing Bath City with just one thing in mind - a three-point haul.

The Terras have experienced a disappointing campaign so far and will want to reward their ardent fans with a win away from the Wessex Stadium.

The task of claiming the three points is not going to be easy as City have only lost twice at home all season, with those glitches coming early in the campaign.

Bath City are just three points off second place and will want to close the gap with a good result at home.

City manager Adie Britton is likely to ring the changes for the clash after a tough few weeks for his players.

Worcester City have the chance to climb away from the relegation zone when they play host to mid-table Havant and Waterlooville.

The Loyals are currently two points above the drop zone and a home wins could prove invaluable come the end of the season.

The Hawks are not out of the running for a play-off place just yet, but they will need to string together some good results if they are to reach the top five.

The match at St George's Lane is in doubt, however, and a pitch inspection on Saturday morning will reveal whether the match can go ahead or not.

Fixtures in full:

Bath City v Weymouth

Braintree Town v Bromley

Dorchester v Bishops Stortford

Dover v Maidenhead United

Eastleigh v Thurrock

Hampton & Richmond v Newport County

Lewes v Chelmsford

Staines Town v St Albans

Weston-Super-Mare v Basingstoke

Woking v Welling United

Worcester City v Havant and Waterlooville