PREVIEW: Newport v Harriers (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

PREVIEW: Newport v Harriers

12:34pm Tuesday 19th March 2013 in News

WINGER Martin Devaney is expected to be available in time for Harriers' top of the table clash at Newport County tonight.

The former Cheltenham wideman missed Saturday's 4-1 win over Tamworth as a precuation over a minor injury.

But he may struggle to get back into the side as his replacement Danny Pilkington made one goal and scored another from a direct free-kick.

His return to action means manager Steve Burr has options for tonight's vital top five battle.

While Harriers are just three points off the top spot, Newport have three or four games in hand on all their rivals which could give them the edge in the race for the title.

But the Welsh outfit have struggled to fulfill fixtures, with Saturday's home clash against Macclesfield postponed because of a waterlogged pitch, while their trip to Gateshead has been plagued by problems and called off a couple of times.

Tonight's game against Harriers also kicks-off four games in eight days for Newport.

With second-placed Wrexham taking on leaders Mansfield at home as well, tonight's fixtures could go a long way to deciding the fate of the championship.

Harriers have won the last three games against Newport, including December's rousing 3-2 result, inspired by Jamille Matt's hat-trick.

Assistant manager Gary Whild said: “It was a good game and we managed to get the three points. It was a tough day and they gave us a stiff test.

“Tonight will be no different and they’re the only team who, if they win all their games in hand, can go clear at the top of the league.

“They’re in a good position and their players will want to go in lively and with a view to winning – it doesn’t matter how many games you play."

Midfielder Kyle Storer will miss out as he serves the second game of a two-match ban.

Newport will be without injured trio Max Porter, Ben Swallow and Danny Crow.

Fans unable to make the clash can follow all the action with Shuttle Online's live match blog.

We'll have team news before the 7.45pm kick-off and then all the drama from another huge match for the Reds.