HIGH-FLYING Barrow will look to build on their table-topping aspirations when they face struggling Welsh outfit Newport County.

The Bluebirds, currently sitting third in the table despite being tipped for relegation at the beginning of the season, will be looking to deal another blow to a Newport side which has lost two on the bounce.

An impressive midweek showing saw Pete Wild's men beat Doncaster by two goals.

Ben Whitfield’s fourth goal of the campaign after 37 minutes and Tyrell Warren’s second of the season returned the Bluebirds to winning ways after a 3-1 defeat at Northampton. And for Warren, it was a chance to show his finishing skills to one-time Manchester United team mate, Marcus Rashford, sitting in the main stand at Holker Street.

While Newport County AFC manager James Rowberry was left frustrated and “bitterly disappointed” after Tuesday night’s 1-0 defeat at Stevenage but remains convinced his side will come good.

A fifth defeat in eight league games means County remain 17th in the League Two table ahead of the home clash with third-placed Barrow but Rowberry is staying positive.

“You can spin stats however you like,” said the Exiles boss. “I know we can look at league tables and league form but that’s four wins from six – we look at it that way.

“Barrow will be a similar physical test that we need to compete against. It’s another tough test and we’ve got to embrace it. We’ve got to reflect on this, review it and work hard to get it right and that’s what we’ll do."

Former Barrow striker Offrande Zanzala sits on the books at Newport but is sidelined with a hamstring injury sustained last month.

The Bluebirds will be looking to build on an impressive midweek showing, which culminated with Whitfield and Warren nominated in the League Two Team of Midweek, while Pete Wild picked up the manager's accolade.