Last time Pompey went to Newport County, they got the win they so desperately needed. This time, they are again in need of a win but, in mid-season, it's not so acute.

Nevertheless, if a team likely to contain new striker Matt Tubbs, now-permanent-signing Paul Robinson and possibly even fit-again midfielder James Dunne can bring home three points, it will be a huge step forward in a campaign that has stalled badly in recent weeks.

Not so long ago, Pompey's away form was woeful but, in line with the home form taking a dip, their efforts on the road have picked up in recent weeks. A deserved 1-1 draw at Cheltenham was followed by an identical scoreline at high-flying Luton.

And it's the steely show put in at Luton that assistant boss Gary Waddock wants to see repeated in South Wales.

Waddock told The News: 'Luton was encouraging, especially when we were a goal down. It showed a lot of character from the players, a lot of team spirit, all the words that managers and coaches would use.

‘I thought our general play was good as well. The first half we played well and showed different aspects of the game, passing the ball reasonably well, putting one or two good moves together, and then second half had to dig in and defend well.

‘You have to do that at this level and if you can dig in and be consistent over a period of time things will certainly change in terms of points tally. That Luton performance was a reaction from the home game (AFC Wimbledon), but we need that reaction every match day, both home and away. We need that type of gutsy, steely performance because we have to work.'

Boss Andy Awford heads into the game happy to have recruited Tubbs and Robinson and saying there could yet be more players leaving Fratton.

He told the club website: 'Matt is the league’s leading goalscorer and had better offers from other clubs. He made a footballing decision to come here and I’m delighted. Paul also had other offers, but he chose us. I know the fan-base was a reason for that, as was the people who work here.

'If the right player becomes available and it doesn’t break the budget then we’ll look to do it, but I’m happy with the squad I’ve got. We are looking to get a couple more players out, though, because I still think we’re managing too many players.'

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