Newport County go into the unknown tonight as they travel down the M4 to face Londoners Hayes (kick-off 7.45pm).

But boss Peter Nicholas will be well prepared for the challenge after sending scouts to suss out the former Rymans League side.

He said: "We have watched them twice and have reports, so we know what we'll be up against.

"They are big and strong, so it will be a physical battle. Hayes are similar to a lot of clubs in this league in that on their day they can beat anyone."

Nicholas has an injury worry with captain Scott Young still feeling the effects of a horrific tackle in the impressive 4-1 victory over Welling. Youngster Ashley Williams is on stand-by.

Nicholas explained: "Scott is a doubt. He is black and blue from the challenge but we will give him as long as possible to make it.

"It was a shocker and I still can't believe the lad wasn't sent off. But Scott will get treatment right up to kick-off if necessary.

"We have three games this week and it is important to keep the squad fit.

"I think if we can be lucky with injuries this season, we can have a real chance."

When the fixture list came out, Nicholas could have been forgiven for worrying about getting any points after playing three of the league's top sides, but now he has six in the bag and he believes it should have been nine.

He said: "After the last two games, it is even more frustrating not to have won at Havant but there is no looking back.

"We have two hard away games and if we can keep going the way we have I will be pleased." Nicholas is not getting too carried away though and has stressed to the squad that there is still plenty of work to be done.

He said: "I'm not going to get silly, because it is very early days and it is a long season. We are looking good at the moment and I was pleased with our composure on Saturday.

"We have a lot of experience now and it is great to see Scott Morgan playing so well, especially when he was out for a long time through injury."

Newport County AFC squad: Freestone, L Phillips, Aherne-Evans, Davies, Jones, Morgan, Bowen, Young, Moralee, Wilson-Denis, Coates, J Phillips, Williams, O Sullivan, Passmore, Thomas.