CHIPPENHAM come up against a familiar foe this weekend when they entertain Newport County in the Dr Martens Premier Division.

Steve White's in-form team have already faced their Welsh counterparts twice this season and have no reason to fear them.

In the first encounter across the Severn Bridge back in September the two sides took a point each in a close league encounter.

Chippenham had taken the lead after 17 minutes when Newport were caught out by a long Mark Hervin clearance and Martin Paul headed on for the unmarked Matt Rawlins to produce a low clinical finish.

Chippenham doubled their lead four minutes into the second half when Newport goalkeeper Gareth Wesson whacked a clearance against Griffin, who set up Paul who buried his chance.

In a desperate throw of the dice Newport manager Peter Nicholas put on striker Raith Plant for Nicky Palmer in the 51st minute.

Within two minutes Plant sparked Newport's revival with a goal and he levelled matters ten minutes later as Chippenham reeled under pressure with Chris Rogers and Gary Lloyd standing out down the left.

The sides then met for a second time on January 7 in the league cup third when the Bluebirds returned from Wales with a 4-0 victory.

In-form Charlie Griffin volleyed a right-wing cross from Michael Green past Newport goalkeeper Gareth Wesson in the tenth minute.

The early goal gave Chippenham the confidence they needed and on 18 minutes Colin Towler netted his first goal of the season.

The tie was effectively sealed on 53 minutes when Herring's long throw from the right bounced over everyone and fell to Walker on the left of the penalty area. The wing back hit his shot with venom and the ball was in the back of the net before Wesson had a chance to move.

Things only got better for Chippenham when teenage striker James Constable latched onto a throughball by Badman and fired a shot in at the near post.

Newport started the season slowly but have recovered well and are currently eighth in the table having won ten and drawn eight of their 26 league games.

Striker Raith Plant was recently allowed to join Barry with a recall clause but Newport strengthened their front line with the signing of Sam Bowen who was most recently with Bromsgrove Rovers.

The club have also secured the services of another attacking player in the past week.

Jamie Moralee, who was previously on a month's loan from Forest Green Rovers, has signed a contract to play for County until the end of the 2004/05 season.