TIM Harris' New Year's resolution is quite simple - to keep picking up points to push his Newport County side up the Dr Martens Premier League.

The Exiles can still mathematically gain promotion to the Nationwide Conference but even the most ardent of County fans would admit that it would take a footballing miracle to achieve that feet.

But Newport boss Harris remains positive and confident that his side can make a concerted push for the championship.

County welcome sixth-placed Tamworth to Newport Stadium tomorrow (3pm) seeking a hat-trick of league wins but the Midlanders will be a stern test as they themselves have ambitions of title success.

"We set ourselves a target prior to the hectic festive period," said Harris. "And that was to pick up all three points when we're at home and get at least a point when we're on the road. And that is still our aim."

Fresh from back-to-back home wins against King's Lynn and arch rivals Merthyr Tydfil, the confidence among the players is rising.

But Harris warned: "Tamworth will be a much sterner test. "They are a strong side and have title aspirations of their own so they'll also be looking for three points.

"But we've proved our metal against good opposition this season and hopefully we can put in a similar performance tomorrow."

County haven't beaten Tamworth in the last three games - and they haven't scored against them either.

But Harris said: "Confidence is returning to the side. We haven't played many league games recently due to our cup exploits so we really need to get some league wins and go from there.

"We have ground out results of late without really playing that well, which bodes well for the future because the good performances will come eventually - and when they do our players will start to show their real quality.

"There are 50-odd league points to play for so we've got to go after them starting with a win against Tamworth tomorrow."

Harris singled out striker Steve Cowe for glowing praise after his "quality" performance against Merthyr - a game in which he fired his fourth goal of the season - and predicted that if his recent form continues the former Swindon Town hitman will shoot his way up the goal-scoring charts.

"His movement is absolute class," said Harris. "It was a culture shock for him coming into semi-professional football and it has taken him time to settle in but now we are reaping the full benefits.

"If his form continues and he starts hitting the back of the net regularly I have no doubt that he will be among the top-scorers at the end of the season." Newport are without captain and right-back Darren Robison (knee ligaments) who is due to be sidelined until February, and left-midfielder Scott Walker (ankle).

Defender/midfielder Jason Perry, who has recovered from a sore foot, is back in the squad as is right-back Lee Stanton, who has returned from a loan spell at Dr Martens Western League outfit Cinderford Town.

Newport County (from) : P Mountain, A Thomas, B Clark, J Eckhardt (c), S Benton, L Stanton, J Perry, S James, R Edwards, M Rose, A Carter, N Davies, D Ryan, S Cowe, G Shephard, M Paul.

*PICTURED: Merthyr Tydfil keeper Neil Thomas picks the ball out of the net as the County players celebrate Alfie Carter's first goal for the club during the Exiles 3-0 win on Wednesday.