Hastings Town skipper Tony Burt has praised the collective effort of his team-mates ahead of tomorrow's FA Cup clash with Newport IoW at The Pilot Field.

Burt has been in formidable form this season as his unbeaten side have soared to the top of the Dr Martens eastern division but Hastings' defensive lynchpin insists all the team should take the credit.

He said: "Confidence is really high and we all totally believe in each other. I think that's the key and we are working hard. The time we are putting in training is paying dividends. We have got the nucleus of the side we had last year and from November we have been on a tremendous run.

"The boys love playing good football but they are also prepared to work hard.

That's the combination that is getting us results. They are good footballers, but they also have good football brains. There is a lot of experience out there and people have played together for a long time.

"We are pleased to be top of the table. We are there on merit but we have set a standard now we must try to maintain and it is up to us to stay focused."

Five-goal striker Paul Jones has a bruised ankle and is battling to be fit for Newport after being substituted in the 24th minute of Tuesday's 2-1 win over Fisher Athletic Jones said: "It is a big game against our old rivals from last year. They are not having the best of runs in the Dr Martens premier so I think we should be able to put on a good showing and get through."

St Leonards travel to Fisher Athletic in the FA Cup second qualifying round tomorrow but boss Micky Taylor is not worried about conceding home advantage.

Taylor, born and bred down the road in Croydon, said: "We'll be underdogs on the Isle of Dogs.

"We have played four away games this season and won three so we will go there with confidence."

Forward Tony Reid will stay on the bench after Dominic Barclay's five goals against Dartford.