NEWPORT County have been dealt two hammer blows ahead of their crucial Nationwide South clash with Bognor Regis today (kick-off 2.30pm).
Captain Scott Young and influential defender Lee Phillips (pictured) are out.
The news is sure to add pressure to a squad who are already under pressure after picking up only one point from the last three games and now have to take on one of the early season surprise packages.
The visitors will arrive at Spytty Park second from top in the table and will be a stern examination of County boss Peter Nicholas' squad and will reveal much about County's ability to cope when their top players have to drop out.
Despite making six new signings in the close season, Nicholas released a raft of players, perhaps due to financial constraints, but if the side struggle today fans may be left ruing the loss of former regulars such as Gary Lloyd, Terry Evans and Gareth Phillips.
On a more positive front, striker Jamie Moralee has shrugged off a series of niggling injuries to declare himself fit and he will be hoping to add to the five goals he has already bagged this term.
Another player who has won his fitness battle is Nathan Davies and he will be joined by the more than able Ashley Williams, in for the injured Young.
Youngster John Phillips will be given a late fitness test after a knee problem, but Nicholas is hopeful he will be alright to make the squad.
At the back, Neil Passmore is likely to replace Phillips and he looks to have recovered from an opening day shocker at Havant as he played most of the second half on Monday in fairly comfortable fashion.
After a week where County chairman Chris Blight publicly expressed his disappointment with the team's displays and even hinted that the manager was not entirely bomb-proof, a victory, or at least a point, is almost a must.
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