Exiles looking to climb off the bottom in a crucial battle

NEWPORT County boss David Hughes knows that the stakes are high for today’s League Two basement battle at Shrewsbury Town, but he doesn’t believe that it's a must-win game for his side.

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County will climb off the bottom of the table if they can beat 23rd-placed Shrewsbury in front of more than 700 travelling fans at New Meadow.

A fourth successive away win in all competitions would also lift some of the pressure on Hughes (pictured), while a defeat would leave them at least three points adrift at the bottom and only increase the calls for the Exiles boss to be replaced.

“When you're looking up they're always going to be [big games,” said the manager. “We're aware of what it means. We'll be well supported, which is terrific for everybody, and we will go with every intent to ensure that we reward the supporters who are travelling up.