After a week when off-field matters have rather dominated Pompey conversations, on-field affairs come to the fore again on Saturday when Pompey aim to consolidate or improve their top three spot in League Two.

With plenty of debate already under the bridge regarding the proposed takeover by Michael Eisner, most be happy to concentrate on a match, especially given that it's such a vital one.

The Blues could be seven points clear of those in the play-off places by the end of the afternoon if things go well - or they could be only one clear if things go badly.

Pompey need to get over their exasperating habit, seen too many times last season and this, of producing a big letdown in front of their own fans after hopes have been raised by a string of decent results.

Before last Saturday's loss at Stevenage they had won three on the bounce, scoring 10 goals in the process, and after what everyone hopes was just a blip at the Lamex Stadium, the pressure is on to a certain extent to put second-from-bottom side County to the sword this weekend.

Boss Paul Cook is marking his 100th game at the Fratton helm and hopes the next milestone - promotion - will follow soon.

He told The News: 'When we arrived the club wasn’t in a good position. People can talk about this and that, but no-one is to blame here. With all due respect to Guy Whittingham, he never had a chance at this club, absolutely none, none, no chance whatsoever. Unfortunately, he got sacked and that’s sad. That is this club and where it’s at.

‘I took over with the club in a position where people knew it wasn’t a short-term fix any more, managers don’t go in and sprinkle magic dust. A few seasons earlier we actually flirted with the Conference.

‘From our time here it has been the play-offs and now we are in the automatics, so I’d like to think the club’s going forwards. Sometimes it is never quick enough, but I am genuinely happy to be here, I enjoy a massive percentage of it, the pain always drives you on. Fingers crossed, we are now in a position where we could achieve something — so let’s try to do it.’

With Christian Burgess absent through suspension following his red card at Stevenage, Tom Davies is set to partner Matt Clarke at the back. The Blues hope Kal Naismith and Kyle Bennett will be fit to return to the squad after missing the loss at Stevenage.

Newport were boosted by a 1-1 draw with Luton in midweek but remain six points adrift of safety.

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