NEWPORT County boss John Cornforth today issued a rallying cry to his troops, telling them: "It is now or never for us."

Cornforth's charges entertain in-form Havant and Waterlooville this afternoon (kick-off 3pm) and the boss is certain that his side are ready to come out all guns blazing.

Cornforth, who boosted his squad this week with the acquisition of three new signings, has confirmed to the Argus that he is now as happy as he has ever been at the job - even though County are approaching crunch time.

Currently one place outside of the dreaded bottom three in the Conference South, the Exiles are approaching a period of seven games in the next 29 days, but it doesn't faze Cornforth.

He confidently told the Argus: "As a club we are starting to find our feet now after what was has been a disappointing season and I am starting to really enjoy myself after a strange non-league baptism.

"I back this squad to the hilt and firmly believe that we will stay in this league and that we will go from strength to strength next season.

"I am already in contact with several players currently playing league football whose contracts are up at the end of the season and budget permitting I will bring some of these boys in when we stay up.

"At various times this year I have needed players in different positions, particularly in attack, but now the squad has taken a bit of shape and we are not relying on the efforts of boys who are far too young to be playing in the number of games they were, sometimes four or five at a time.

"I have always had confidence in the ability of the boys, the spirit has always been good, but now everyone is really buzzing."

Cornforth's confidence is timely for County, because today's visitors Havant are bang in form, topping the Conference South form table.

They have a wealth of experience in their squad, built around the midfield pairing of Robbie Pethick (formerly of Brighton) and Peter Fear, who turned out 88 times in the Premiership for Wimbledon.

Fear's former crazy gang team-mate, Dean Holdsworth, has been prolific for Havant this year and has bagged five goals in his last five games.

Cornforth knows that his side are set for a tricky afternoon, but is nevertheless certain that his boys can triumph.

He explained: "Havant are in form, have good experience and are picking up points on the road, but if we play to our potential we are a match for anyone in this division and that is what I will be telling the lads today.

"At this stage in the season we will sacrifice performances for points but there is no reason at all for us not get both, starting today."

Cornforth is waiting on a few late fitness tests but will include new boys Antonio Corbisiero and Chris Taylor, signed from Swansea and Swindon Town respectively.

Taylor is likely to start at left back, with Corbisiero in central midfield, but Lloyd Grist is unlikely to feature.

Squad (provisional): Vaughan, Phillips, Passmore, Morgan, D Jones, Eckhardt, Curran, Davies, Taylor, Harrhy, Williams, Corbisiero, Bowen, Moralee, Belle, Tyrell, Hooper, Delve.