Newport looking upwards as they prepare for Crewe

After winning 2-1 at home in September, Newport will be looking to complete a league double over Crewe for the first time since 1971-72

Head coach Nelson Jardim says Newport County are "looking upwards" as they take their recent improvement in form into Saturday's visit to League Two promotion hopefuls Crewe Alexandra.

A run of five successive defeats around the turn of the year had seen Jardim's side tumble towards the fourth tier's relegation places.

However, Tuesday's 2-1 win against Morecambe at Rodney Parade has seen them take seven points from nine and establish a 10-point buffer over the bottom two.

"We've had a good run recently, but we need to keep pushing forward and aim for even more," Jardim said.

"We're always looking upwards and want to keep pushing for better results."

Newport will travel to the Mornflake Stadium with doubts over first choice goalkeeper Nick Townsend and full-back Joe Thomas, while Cardiff City loanee Kieron Evans is the latest player on the Exiles long-term injury list.

"We've got a few players dealing with injuries, but we'll manage the squad and make sure we keep the momentum going," added Jardim.

Crewe can boast the second-meanest defence in League Two and sit fifth in the table, despite a sequence of just one win - with three draws - in their last five games.

"They are tough to break down, one of the best defensively," said the Portuguese coach, who believes his youthful side are growing in stature.

"We know they will cause us problems.

"We're stronger now compared to the start of the season, and that's encouraging. The players are ready to compete, and we'll keep working to improve."

A win at Crewe would also see Newport complete a league double over the Railwaymen for the first time in over 50 years.

"It would be great to break that streak," said Jardim.

"We're preparing to win every game, and we hope to do so on Saturday."