Williamson warns MK Dons about Newport County energy

The fifth-placed Dons are hunting a home win to keep the pressure on their rivals in the automatic promotion spots.

They are fresh from a frustrating and controversial 1-1 draw with Wrexham when visiting goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo appeared to fumble a shot over the line.

The Dons are joint second in League Two for points won at home but Williamson knows they will have to be at their best against an Exiles side enjoying an unlikely charge into the play-off picture.

County have won five of their last six and are just two points off the top seven, while top scorer Will Evans has scored in his last five fixtures.

Bryn Morris will look to snap into MK Dons again for County (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

“They're the most in-form team,” said Williamson. “When we've watched them they have so much energy, they're industrious, and can create chances out of nothing.

“They can get at you, pile the box with bodies, and have really in-form players. It will be difficult for us.

“We always talk about trying to win all the metrics and psychologically that's a big one. Being on the front foot and not allowing the opposition defence to settle and get into a rhythm is one we're facing.

“There will be a lot of physical battles and a lot of ground covered as well. We'll have to make sure we do the ugly bits to give us a platform to play our forward stuff.”

It was a goalless draw when the sides met in Newport in November, although it was an entertaining encounter.

Williamson said: "It took a while for the game to settle but in the second half we got slightly more control, and we'll have to expect that again.

“We want to play our way but we'll have to earn the right to play. And it's difficult to do that against a team like Newport, who never let you have a breather."

Defender Cameron Norman will hope to get the chance to face his former County teammates after being forced off in the closing stages against Wrexham.