COUNTY frontman Craig Hughes, pictured, is gunning for revenge against Cambridge City at Spytty Park tonight (kick-off 7.45pm).

The visitors wrecked the Exiles' play-off dreams last April and Hughes is determined that they won't derail the promotion charge this time around.

"That was a horrible day and it would be great to beat them tonight," said Hughes.

"It'll be a tough game because they're a good side. They came here and beat us 2-1 but we were exhausted."

Ninth-placed County have games in hand over all their promotion rivals, leading to fans' fears of a fixture pile-up reminiscent of last season, but manager Peter Beadle is confident his squad is up to the challenge this campaign.

And Hughes suggested that the postponement of last Saturday's clash with Havant & Waterlooville will have benefited the players who have now enjoyed an 11-day break since the brave defeat to Torquay in the FA Trophy.

"It was frustrating not to have a game because we thought we had a good chance of a win against Havant, but we used the time well," he said.

"We had a good high-tempo training session on Saturday and all the players are fresh and buzzing.

"We've got that zest back after Christmas and can't wait to put some points on the board, starting tonight.

"I just want success, we all do - the players, the manager and the fans. Everyone in Newport wants promotion and we believe we've got the squad to do it this year.

"We've just got to push on and put together a run of victories and hopefully the weather can help us do that in the next few weeks."

Fans' favourite Hughes has failed to find the net since Boxing Day but he is unconcerned about his dry patch as long as the team keep picking up points.

"It doesn't bother me," he said. "I think I've been playing well but it's more about the team at the moment.

"Sometimes you have to sacrifice personal glory for collective success and as long as we keep winning it doesn't really matter who gets the goals."

Cardiff City fan Hughes is also relishing the prospect of a trip to his beloved Ninian Park in the last four of the FAW Premier Cup.

An under-strength Bluebirds team featuring former County striker Matt Green beat Welshpool 1-0 last night to set up a semi-final tie at home to the Exiles.

No date has yet been set for the clash but Hughes said: "We'll all be looking forward to going to Cardiff but to me it'll be that little bit more special. I can't wait!"