Newport County winger Jason Bowen is a major injury doubt for tonight's mouth-watering Nationwide South clash against Weymouth at Spytty Park (kick-off 7.45pm).

The former Southampton and Cardiff City star limped off in Saturday's opening day defeat at Havant and Waterlooville and it's touoch and go whether he makes manager Peter Nicholas' line up for what should be a cracker.

County boss Nicholas said: "He has had a slight tweak in his lower hamstring and is a doubt.

He has about a 50/50 chance at the moment but we will have to wait and see.

"He was struggling after the game but is feeling much better now." Weymouth arrive on the back of a surprise 2-1 home defeat to Cambridge City on Saturday and Steve Claridge's side will be looking to show just why many have tipped them as favourites, but Nicholas says he is not worried about his opponents and is setting his own agenda.

County will be looking to bounce back from a the disapointing defeat on Saturday at Havant after they dominated much of the match but could not force an equaliser. Nicholas said: "This is a big match as Weymouth are one of the so-called big guns in the league but we will be sticking to our own game.

"The boys were down after the Havant match because there is no getting away from the fact that we could have and should have won it.

"But we had a positive training session on Monday and the spirit has returned. We want to go out and put on a good performance."

Nicholas is hoping the supporters that were so vocal in Havant can repeat the feat at Spytty tonight in their droves, especially as Weymouth are expected to bring a small army to Newport.

He said: "The crowd were fantastic on Saturday and really got behind the players. Hopefully we can get a good turnout and there should be a good atmosphere.

"It is important that we put the Havant game behind us and play some good football in front of the fans."

Apart from Bowen, County are at full strength and Kevin Aherne-Evans is looking a certain starter after impressing at Havant when he came on a substitute for Neil Passmore midway through the first half.

Scott Young is also fit after coming through his first 90 minutes for County and will be looking to put the disappointment of missing a chance to grab a point on Saturday.

The new skipper will need all of his battling and leadership skills tonight as this match will be as tough as any in the coming months.

Weymouth boss Claridge was left bemoaning his side's defensive frailties at the weekend and if Nicholas' side can expose them further, County's Nationwide South credentials would be heard loud and clear.

Gary Lloyd, who was released by County last week, has joined Welsh Premier side Carmarthen Town.

Newport County's social club will be showing SKY television's coverage of Wales v Latvia international friendly match before the Weymouth match, kick-off 5.30pm.