PETER Nicholas insists his Newport County players face a major test of character to turn the tide.

With three away defeats and two home draws, the Exiles are languishing at the bottom of the early Dr Martens Premier League table with just two points from a possible 15 available.

Vultures are circling following a disappointing 2-1 reverse at Grantham Town on Saturday, and the pressure is mounting on the Welshmen to end their dreary start to the season at home to Chippe-nham on Wednesday (7.45pm).

"I need to do something about this for our passionate and loyal fans," sighed Newport manager Nicholas, visibly feeling the strain.

"We have had a very poor start but I'm not going to go blaming individual players in public. It's a team game and we all must take responsibility. We've all got to take a long, hard look at ourselves, re-group and get going very quickly.

"This is a big test of character for our boys, but one I'm sure we'll all come through.

"I need the experienced players to drive everyone else on to succeed, the pressure is on them and me. We've got to get our confidence back quickly. We can't feel sorry for ourselves, we must get up and get on with the job in hand.

"We dominated the Grantham game, and the biggest problem is we're not taking our chances, end of story. And then we gave away two sloppy goals.

"Newport County should have more points on the board, but we haven't, and we've got to work on that now. We will have to work harder in training and turn the tide.

"The problem is, though, there is nothing we can work on in training that will make us not miss good chances. We've just got to keep working hard and hope that one will fly in. We will turn it around," he vowed.

Nicholas revealed that he would ring the changes for Chippenham's visit to Spytty Park on Wednesday night.

"I've got to change things," he admitted. A lot of those players have had five games now, and have had time to show what they are capable of. One or two, I think, are in a comfort zone, and I have got to change that.

"Chippenham will be in our faces and want to get one over on us, and we're aware of that."

Nicholas will be without midfielder Nathan Davies (ankle ligaments) but defender Andrew Thomas (back) is set to return to the squad.