NEWPORT aim for a first-leg lead when the powerful Exeter Falcons visit the Hayley Stadium on Sunday afternoon in a Knockout Cup fixture.

Monday's scheduled first leg at the County Ground was washed out and a new date has yet to be agreed for that match, so the tie starts on Sunday instead with the Falcons arriving in search of their second win of the season at Newport.

Wasps promoter Tim Stone has injury concerns ahead of the fixture, with Czech ace Pavel Ondrasik currently undergoing physiotherapy in his home country after being brought down in last Friday's unfortunate 46-44 defeat at Somerset.

It is not known yet whether Ondrasik will be fit to resume for this weekend's action, which also sees the Wasps travel to Reading on Monday in the Premier Trophy.

Newport will, however, definitely be without the popular Tony Atkin who sustained a serious arm injury in last Sunday's match against Rye House - an incident which played a key part in another narrow defeat for the unlucky home team.

However, Atkin's welfare was far more important than the result of the meeting and there were major concerns earlier this week when, with a broken arm just below the shoulder having been diagnosed, the experienced rider developed a blood clot which moved to his lungs and he had to be taken for emergency surgery.

Happily the operation was a success and after a short time in intensive care Atkin is now making a good recovery.

Wasps promoter Tim Stone, who has been a regular visitor to Atkin in hospital, said: "We've had two accidents in the space of 72 hours and neither were the fault of our own riders."

Sunday's meeting features a tie-up between the club and Brains Beers, which will include giveaways and a Happy Hour between 1.30pm and 2.30pm, with supporters advised to arrive early to take advantage of what is on offer.

Exeter include experienced Australian star Mark Lemon, who will also be taking part in the prestigious Welsh Open on June 13 and his form this season marks him out as a real contender.

A tough match is in prospect as the Falcons look set to qualify for the Premier Trophy semi-finals and therefore retain an interest in all competitions as they prepare to leave their historic County Ground Stadium at the end of the season.