WEALDSTONE V COUNTY (FA Trophy semi-final, second leg, tomorrow KO 3pm)

Newport County striker Elliott Buchanan goes into tomorrow’s FA Trophy semi-final second leg against Wealdstone motivated by the chance to make history.

The 22-year-old scored his eighth goal of the season in the first leg to help County secure a 3-1 lead ahead of the return at St George’s Stadium.

Buchanan also scored against Worksop Town and Carshalton in the Exiles run to the last four.

And, while the players are refusing to get too carried away, they know they are within touching distance of a dream trip to Wembley for the final on Saturday, May 12.

“It’s only half a job done and we are focusing on being professional, keeping our heads down, and hopefully if we do everything right we will get our rewards,” said the former Hayes & Yeading front man.

“We were sharp at the start last week and obviously I got my goal quite early on and Nat (Jarvis) scored and we need to maintain that level of performance.

“But Wealdstone aren’t going to let us walk all over them,” he added.

“It’s going to be a hard match but if we turn up with the right attitude and work hard we are confident.

“Getting to Wembley would be brilliant. A lot of the lads haven’t played there before and it would be a great experience but we need to get the job done.

“It wasn’t the best of starts to the season but to finish it by creating history for Newport County would be amazing and I’d love to be a part of that.”

Buchanan is confident he will be fit to start tomorrow with manager Justin Edinburgh’s attacking options restricted in the Trophy.

Strikers Ryan Charles and Jake Reid are both cup-tied, as is midfielder Andy Sandell, meaning Buchanan, Nat Jarvis and super sub Jake Harris are the only forwards available to take on Wealdstone.

Buchanan was forced off with an ankle injury in the first leg last week but after sitting out training in the early part of the week he is raring to go.

“I had a slight twist of the ankle but it was nothing too serious. I’ve rested it for a few days and it should be ok,” he confirmed.

The team enjoyed a trip to the Cheltenham Festival on Tuesday, something that Buchanan feels is a big help to build team spirit.

“It was brilliant for team bonding and we all enjoyed the day. A few of us had some winners as well,” he said.

“We’ve really kicked on in the last few months and team spirit is great at the moment. We’re all buzzing about Saturday.”

The Exiles fans will be hoping their heroes are as successful on the pitch this weekend as they were with the bookmakers.

One thing that is certain is that County are the favourites to book their place at the national stadium against either York City or Luton Town.