Newport County's latest signing Andrew Mumford, faces a tough baptism.
The Swansea City player makes his debut tomorrow at Nuneaton Borough, the undefeated Dr. Martens League, Premier Division leaders.
The 22-year-old Mumford was all set to play in the midweek home draw with Chippenham, who figured in a 1-1 draw on the opening day of the season at Nuneaton, but his loan registration was not completed in time. He has joined County for a month with a view to making it permanent.
Mumford, from Gorseinon, won four Under-21 caps, the first against Finland last year and made 57 first team appearances for the Swans.
Nicholas said: "It's a massive game. They are a good side and it will be a tough test for us and show how far we have to go to be challenging them."
Striker Neil Davis is County's only injury worry. He has a slight groin strain and manager Peter Nicholas expects him to declare himself fit to play.
Davis did not appear for the second-half against Chippenham, replaced by Mark Dickeson.
County will draw a little comfort from the fact that Nuneaton, who figured in a midweek goalless draw at Hednesford, will be without leading marksman five-goal Brian Quailey who starts a three-match suspension.
He is also the league's top scorer.
Mickey Brown, Borough's right winger, is also out with a groin injury.
However, Nuneaton look to have a more than adequate replacement for Quailey in Andy Corbett who was signed in the summer from Solihull Borough.
He has scored twice in the three games he has started for Nuneaton and hit 30 for Solihull last season, 25 in the league, and will form a partnership with Gez Murphy who has played in the Conference for Kettering, Telford and Boston United.
Nuneaton, aiming to bounce back into the Conference at the first attempt, have the best defensive record in the Premier Division, conceding just two goals in six games with defender Neil Moore, signed from Mansfield, a major figure in shutting out opponents.
He is a former England non-League skipper while playing at Telford and has formed a good partnership with Terry Angus, the former Northampton and Fulham player.
It is perhaps an understatement by Nicholas to say his side faces a massive test but the form of Chris Rogers and Gary Lloyd operating on the left flank against Chippenham, could well cause Nuneaton a few problems.
They were instrumental in opening the visitors' defence and keeping County on top for long periods. Nicholas will be looking for more of the same.
County will meet Bemerton Heath Harlequins in the second qualifying round of the FA Youth Cup following their penalty shoot-out success against Bath City at Twerton Park.
The teams were locked at 3-3 after 90 minutes and extra time produced two more goals, the teams level at 4-4. Harlequins triumphed 8-7 from the spot-kicks.
The tie is expected to go ahead on September 15 at Spytty Park.
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