IT’S top versus bottom in League Two this afternoon but Newport County AFC won’t be complacent against a resurgent Southend United.

The Exiles are setting the pace but are 13th in the form guide courtesy of a four-game streak without success that goes back to the December 8 win in Grimsby.

Southend may be bottom and on the back of a defeat at Leyton Orient but they have been playing impressively.

Before the setback at Brisbane Road they drew against Stevenage and Mansfield and beat Scunthorpe, Grimsby and Colchester.

“No game is easy in League Two,” said County manager Michael Flynn. “Looking at the table, is it one that we are expected to win? Yes, but we don't take anything for granted.

South Wales Argus: WARNING: Michael Flynn says Newport need to be on their game against SouthendWARNING: Michael Flynn says Newport need to be on their game against Southend

“It will be a tough, tough game. They will want to start the year in the right manner but so do we.

“They are a team full of confidence and a team with a rejuvenated attitude. They have had some very good results of late and if we don’t take them seriously then we will lose.”

Southend certainly won’t head west with fear about the Exiles, who lost for the first time at Rodney Parade last time out when beaten 4-2 by Oldham.

Jason Demetriou has pledged that the Shrimpers won’t go into their shells.

“Newport are doing really well but I don’t think any team in this league is unbeatable,” he said to the Southend Echo.

“It’s 11 against 11 and we know we will have to match their hard work, press and all fight for the cause.

“But we have quality in our team too and we’ve had a really good December. Of course it’s a hard test but we’re going to have to take it to them.”

County top the table thanks to their expansive approach with defenders encouraged the build from the back, a style that might have to be ditched depending on the Parade pitch.

"They've got to adapt to the circumstances around them, that's what any good sportsperson does," said Flynn.

"Play a game of golf and the wind is coming a certain way and you don't want to hook it or fade it too much.

"You have to play the conditions and there is a common sense element to how much we can and can't play. We have to adjust on our pitch."