NEWPORT County boss John Cornforth is praying that his tomorrow night's Gwent Senior Cup final doesn't fall foul of the weather. If it does then vital players, Darren Jones and Jason Bowen, will miss Saturday's make-or-break league clash with Maidenhead.

That is the stark reality for boss John Cornforth, who could be without his two most influential players for Saturday's crunch Conference South clash if forecasted rain deals a cruel blow.

County are scheduled to meet Caldicot in the final tomorrow at Newport YM's Mendalgief Road ground (kick-off 6.15pm).

However, if the game does fall foul to the weather (as many Welsh League games did this weekend), then Jones and Bowen would see their suspensions carried over.

This would be a nightmare scenario for Cornforth, who has admitted that he is keeping everything crossed.

"We have to pray that game happens, because it would be huge to have Bows (Bowen) and big Darren (Jones) back for Saturday. They are important big game players and would add to the options we have," Cornforth explained.

"Unfortunately, even football managers can't control the weather, so we just have to hope that we have finally earned some luck," he added.

Saturday's 2-2 draw at Lewes has left every eventuality still possible on the final day of the inaugural Conference South season, a win or a draw and County are safe, but if they lose, relegation could well become a reality.

They currently lead visitors Maidenhead by a point and a place in the league and are two places and two points clear of Carshalton, who travel to Eastbourne.

It is certain to mean another nervous afternoon for the Spytty faithful, but Cornforth is confident that the County fans have nothing to worry about.

He explained: "We are confident now, we are in pole position and we are ready to finally put this issue to bed.

"We played well at Lewes on Saturday who had plenty of big names in their side, but we came away battling and deserved at least a point.

"If we take that kind of approach into the next match and the supporters get behind us like they do at away games, then I have every confidence that we will win the match.

"Our goal difference is helpful as well but the bottom line is, if we win, then we are safe and everyone can relax, that has to be our target."

Cornforth will not risk any players likely to start the Maidenhead game in the game against Caldicot. He will include several youngsters and fringe players, including goalkeeper Andrew Delve and midfielder Gethin Jones.

"The game is not our biggest of the week but it gives some of the younger lads and some of the players close to the side the chance to impress," Cornforth commented.

County defeated Cirencester 3-0 at home last night in their final Football League Youth Alliance, Merit Division Three South last night. Goals, all in the second-half, came from Matthew Prosser, Mark Griffiths and Leon Shorney. In charge of Cirencester was former County star Steve Lowndes.