PETER Nicholas has ordered his Newport County players to behave themselves on the field after a spate of red cards has threatened his side's league title chances.

Nicholas said: "We owe it to everyone at the club, and particularly the supporters, to be able to field our best team in our quest for league points.

"This is an important time of the season and we have to improve the disciplinary situation that has come about recently."

County have suffered an abundance of red card shames of late with Sam Bowen dismissed in last Saturday's defeat at Chippenham Town - his league debut - Gareth Phillips failing to last the course at Cambridge City, Jeff Eckhardt seeing red in the 4-0 defeat at home to Worcester while Ashley Williams got his marching orders at Merthyr Tydfil the previous week.

Decisions that not only left County a man down in crucial games but racked up a worrying suspension list.

Nicholas said: "We do not need the red cards that have occurred and suspensions can only serve to ruin the remainder of the season that we want, and need, to do as well as possible in.

"It is silly to have players missing for three games because they're not able to control their feelings and this message will have been imparted to the players in no uncertain terms over the last few days."

The County boss added: "We need everyone available at all times.

"Injuries are bad enough but to have unnecessary absences as well is plain stupid when we are trying to build the team - not having to swap in around."

County face Grantham Town at Spytty Park in the Dr Martens Premier Division tomorrow and Nicholas will be hoping that his charges start picking up points at home.

The Exiles are second only to league-leaders Weymouth in away form but need to improve at home to mount a challenge in the run in.

Nicholas said: "There is no-one more disappointed with our home form than me so we have got to start playing for the sake of the fans.

"We need to show them that we have a lot more to offer but first and foremost is that we get three points. "I don't care how we get it but I would take a defected cross ball and a 1-0 win because we need the points."

Eckhardt returns to the side after his suspension and Jamie Moralee is a hopeful starter after two weeks out with a hamstring problem whereas Gareth Phillips is serving the second of his three match suspension.

Newport County: Roberts (from): Evans, Eckhardt, Morgan, Lloyd, S Williams, A Williams, Shephard, Moralee, Bowen, Stevenson, Michael, J Phillips, O'Sullivan, Stone, Delve. Kick off 3pm.