NEWPORT County AFC aim to halt their miserable record in the north of England today as they take on big-spending Bury at Gigg Lane.

Since winning promotion to the Football League it’s been grim up north for Justin Edinburgh’s men.

The Exiles have enjoyed a famous cup win at Brighton & Hove Albion and twice tasted victory at Portsmouth among a host of successful trips south.

But the long overnight treks to the north have proved pretty fruitless with two defeats at Morecambe and losses at Hartlepool, York, Fleetwood and Rochdale.

Not since the 1-0 win at Grimsby in the Conference play-off semi-final in April 2013 have Edinburgh’s men triumphed up north.

Midfielder Adam Chapman, fit again after an ankle injury, has a simple solution.

“We need to sign more northerners! I’ve told the gaffer this,” said the Doncaster-born Northern Ireland under-21 international.

“The overnight trips are not the easiest thing to get right.

“We didn’t do well up north last year either and it is something we’re working on,” he added.

“We are trying different ways of doing it with every trip.

“We need to work out what we find most comfortable but it is difficult for every team in this league.”

But Chapman backs the manager’s assertion that the squad is mentally tougher this season.

“I agree 100 per cent with the boss,” said the 24-year-old. “Maybe last year we might have gone under at 2-0 down at home like last week.

“It’s a really close-knit group now. It was last year as well but this year we’re spending a lot more time with each other off the field.

“We’re eating together at the training ground and having a lot of boys based in the area has helped us come together as a group.

“The loan boys have all fitted in straight away as well and we’re enjoying each other’s company.”

Chapman is delighted to be back playing after inspiring County’s comeback to 2-2 as a second half substitute against Exeter City last Sunday.

“The ankle is alright now,” he said. “Everyone will tell you that I’m the worst person in the world when I’m injured.

“I don’t think anyone enjoys it but I’m an absolute nightmare. I get bored so I wind people up and get on their nerves.

“I think everyone made sure I was fit as quickly as possible just to get me out of the treatment room!”

County are confident that the deal to extend Curtis Obeng’s loan move from Swansea City will be done in time for him to play this afternoon.

The deadline for registering the player is midday today and he travelled with the squad yesterday afternoon.

Fellow Swans defender Scott Tancock, who returned to the Liberty Stadium from County this week, has joined Conference club Wrexham on a one-month loan.