Courtney Baker-Richardson boosts Newport County for Exeter

The fifth-placed Exiles have been without Baker-Richardson for seven games because of a hamstring strain but he is poised to give manager James Rowberry another option up front against the in-form Grecians at Rodney Parade.

Baker-Richardson, who scored in the 2-2 draw when the sides met in Devon in October, formed a strong partnership with the division’s top scorer Dom Telford.

The 26-year-old has scored eight goals in 26 apperances but also selflessly helped his strike partner thrive and was a key figure in defending set plays.

INFLUENTIAL: Courtney Baker-Richardson scored the winner in Scunthorpe

His injury led to a chance for Rob Street and the Crystal Palace loanee has done well, scoring against Stevenage and Hartlepool while impressing with his work rate in defence and attack.

Targetman Alex Fisher has also done well off the bench in recent weeks and will be keen to go up against the club that he left last summer while Lewis Collins provides a pacey option.

Rowberry has plenty to ponder ahead of a clash against the form side in the promotion race.

Exeter are on a six-game unbeaten run featuring four wins that has lifted them to second place in the extremely tight table.

County are fifth and are one of the four teams in the play-off spots on 63 points, just three back on third-placed Northampton but with four teams chasing them hard.

They had to settle for a 0-0 draw at Bradford City on Saturday after having the better of the first half before withstanding Bantams pressure for what could turn out to be an important and hard-earned point.

County boss James Rowberry

“We showed a real desire and grit to see out a strong performance, although I was disappointed we didn’t get more because we didn’t score a goal,” said Rowberry.

“I was told to never be too disappointed with a point, they all count and that will towards the end of the season.”

Rowberry called on his players to stick to their ways despite the tight and tense nature of the promotion race and the same will apply against Exeter.

“With our play we are comfortable to accept the ball in tight areas and move it around. Sometimes it’s a risk-reward mentality but that is the way that we want to play,” said the manager.

“That is how we have got into this position and I have said to the lads that we have to stick to our principles and beliefs.

“It doesn’t change and we can’t come away from what we have been doing to get the performances because I genuinely believe that the results will come.”

County will drop a place if eighth-placed Mansfield, who have three games in hand, win at Hartlepool in the midweek action.

Salford are seven points back on the play-offs but play one of two games in hand on the Exiles when they host Crawley.