NEWRY City will have “fire in the belly” when they travel to the Blanchflower Stadium to face Playr-Fit Championship leaders H&W Welders on Saturday.
Barry Gray’s Newry have an eye very much on an immediate return to the top flight, while Paul Kee’s side have the facilities in place to make the step up.
The Welders suffered a rare cold snap last weekend with a 3-1 defeat against Ards at Clandeboye Park and are now only top of the table on goal difference from Bangor.
Newry City meanwhile are coming off the back of a 2-1 victory over Ballyclare Comrades at the Showgrounds, a welcome success after three games without a win.
Newry assistant manager Mark Griffin is confident the win over the Comrades can spark a climb up the table into the promotion picture - though he acknowledges the east Belfast side represent a big hurdle.
“Great test against the Welders, probably the in-form team in the league and they are scoring a load of goals,” he said.
“So it should be interesting - two goalscoring teams.
“Welders is going to be a big game so we’re hitting form at the right time.
“Our lads have an air of confidence, a bit of fire in the belly.
“Welders are a fantastic team, they attack really well. I think we can go toe to toe with them because against Ballyclare we put together some great passages of play.”
Lee Feeney’s Bangor will look to boost promotion hopes at Stephen Small’s Ballyclare Comrades, Limavady go to Annagh, Ards take on Institute at Clandeboye Park, Newington host Dundela at Inver Park, while Ballinamallard welcome Armagh City.
All matches kick off at 3pm.