Revival vibes may be emerging at Rodney Parade but they will be put to the test when the Exiles prepare to welcome League Two leaders Walsall on Saturday.
Hughes’ team head into the weekend buoyed by last week’s FA Cup penalty shoot-out triumph over Gillingham, a result that has lifted confidence across the squad following a challenging start to the season.
But with County still bottom of the League Two table, the manager is urging focus, discipline, and consistency rather than celebration.
“We have to win to ensure we get ourselves to a position that we feel is befitting of the way we've played,” said Hughes.
“Nobody is going to make it easy for us. We have to continue to illustrate the qualities that we've got and the progress that we feel we're making.”
Hughes admits the recent upturn — with away wins at Accrington Stanley and Harrogate Town, followed by the cup success — has lifted the mood around the training ground, but insists momentum only matters if it’s backed up by results.
“I've never questioned the boys' work on the grass [in training],” he said.
“They were never not smiling, but there is a difference when you get a couple of good results. I'd be lying if you said you couldn't notice it. That said, we need to get a couple more.
“We've had a reasonable run where results have been positive, but more important has been the level of performance.”
Saturday’s fixture offers a major test against a Walsall side who, despite losing their last two league matches, remain top of the table and one of the division’s strongest outfits.
Newport have not recorded a home league victory since March 15, but Hughes believes the challenge of facing the frontrunners can bring out the best in his players.
“We're excited by the challenge of the team at the top of the league coming here,” he said.
“We respect Walsall, who are clearly a good team. We know it's going to be a challenge, but we can promise them a tough time. It won't be easy for them against us.
“Our focus is ourselves. If we perform to the level we are capable, we will move up the league.
“It's all about the level of our performance, the result will then take care of itself. We want to continue a positive momentum.”
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Newport’s 3–0 win at Harrogate at the end of October provided the foundation for their FA Cup heroics, and Hughes hopes that form can finally translate to home success.
“We will set our stall out to make it really difficult for them on Saturday,” said the manager.
“As always, we'll pay the opposition the respect they deserve, look at their strengths and then look at how we can pose them problems as well.”
Hughes also praised the supporters for their role in lifting the team during recent weeks, particularly during the tense shoot-out victory against Gillingham.
“The fans were outstanding last Saturday,” he said.
“The responsibility is on us to ensure that they do that again this Saturday, by showing what we have done in all our home games. It's on us to give them something to cheer about.”
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There was further good news for Newport ahead of the Walsall clash, with midfielder Ben Lloyd set to remain available after being left out of the latest Wales Under-21 squad.
The Swansea City loanee has become a key figure in County’s midfield, impressing in both the Harrogate and Gillingham games.
“For us, selfishly, we'll be really pleased that he doesn't go away on international duty,” added Hughes.
Lloyd covered nearly 16 kilometres during the FA Cup tie and coolly slotted the decisive penalty in the shoot-out.
Hughes was full of admiration for the midfielder’s work rate and professionalism.
“It's higher than normal. His average physical output is incredible. He's got incredible athleticism – his metres-per-minute [reading] is staggering.
“I'm really pleased with Ben. We've had to manage him a bit this week to ensure he's fit for Saturday.
“The way he's gone about his work since he's been here on loan has been exceptional.
“He was in and out and then he went away with Wales and other people came in to the squad, but nothing's changed about the way he's gone about his work.
“He's always shown the levels he has and what he's capable of achieving.”
Hughes confirmed that both Lee Jenkins and Habeeb Ogunneye, who were forced off last week, are expected to be fit.
