NEWPORT County striker Jamie Moralee, pictured, has already tasted one relegation in his career - and he is not prepared to suffer another one.
Relegation candidates County visit high-flying Lewes today in the Conference South (kick-off 3pm) and Moralee admits that it is a do-or-die scenario, with County desperate to avoid a win-or-bust final game when they entertain fellow strugglers Maindenhead next weekend.
Moralee, 33, tasted relegation in 1996 while playing for Watford under former England manager Graham Taylor, and that it is something he never wants to go through again.
"I am absolutely desperate to stay in the Conference South, we just can't get relegated, not at this stage in my career," he said.
"It doesn't matter who you are in this squad, if you are me or 'Bows' (Jason Bowen) or one of the teenagers, everybody knows that relegation would be a massive body-blow and as a player, it is the ultimate knock to your professional pride.
"We are all in this together, from the boss to the players to the supporters, we are going to Lewes to get a win and to put this relegation business to bed once and for all.
"It would be a great trip home if we had picked up the three points and had made ourselves safe, which we are more than capable of doing, if we all stand strong."
Moralee is the first to admit that he has not produced his best form as a County player, but believes that whatever the future holds for him (he is likely to leave at the end of the season), he will leave the fans with exactly what they want, Conference South football next season.
He explained: "I know some of the fans haven't really taken with me but I have always given my best for them, even when I have been carrying injuries. I don't know what the boss is thinking, whether or not I am in contention to start today or to come off the bench, but I will give a great attitude for the team whatever happens.
"I will be fighting away for the boys and would be delighted to score a couple of goals, nothing would give me greater pleasure than to keep us up, we are all really up for it."
County are without the injured Antonio Corbisiero (ankle) and Ashley Williams (knee) and skipper Darren Jones is suspended. Chris Curran comes into contention and recent signing Lloyd Grist could also start.
County: (from) Vaughan, L Phillips, Morris, Morgan, Thomas, Curran, Davies, Bowen, Taylor, G Jones, Moralee, Belle, Harrhy, Grist, Hooper, Evans, Tyrell, Delve
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article