NEWPORT County AFC assistant manager Wayne Hatswell has warned that there will be many more ups and downs in the race for promotion to League One, writes Andrew Penman.

The Exiles attempt to build on Tuesday’s 1-0 home win over Luton Town and regain a place in the League Two play-offs with victory at Plymouth Argyle tomorrow.

But Hatswell says it is unrealistic to expect County, or anyone else in the ultra-competitive division, to win all of their remaining nine matches.

County, up to eighth after beating the Hatters, are expecting a tough test from ninth-placed Plymouth at Home Park.

“Nobody in this league is on a good run because it’s the business end of the season,” said Hatswell, assistant to manager Jimmy Dack at Rodney Parade.

“You look at the bottom eight teams and they’re all fighting for their lives.

“And teams can go anywhere and get a result because it’s a tough league and that first goal is so important and gives you something to hold on to.

“[Leaders] Burton have lost a couple recently and Shrewsbury [in second] have probably lost nearly as many as us in the last two to three months.

“Luton, who have been up there all season, are struggling and Wycombe have had a little bit of a wobble.

“Plymouth are another team who have haven’t had great results of late and they lost at Dagenham on Tuesday so they’ll be looking to bounce back,” he added.

“They’re a good side and they’re at home and their manager will be wanting a response from them.

“So we know it will be a very tough game for us but at least we’re going into it with a bit of confidence after a good home win.

“We went in front in a game, which makes a big difference.

“We weren’t chasing the game, which we have been doing in the last couple, and the stats prove that when we do go in front we’re tough to beat.”

Dack and Hatswell could have midfielder Mark Byrne available again after his hamstring problem but Robbie Willmott is still injured and striker Rene Howe is again unavailable.

Captain Darren Jones is also a doubt having carried an injury for the past two weeks but striker Chris Zebroski is ready to start if he gets the call.