PETER Nicholas is anxious for his Newport County side to rewrite the history books and chalk up their first victory against Hastings tomorrow.

The Exiles, ninth in the Dr Martens League, Premier Division, are still concerned that they could be drawn into a relegation dog-fight as they are only eight points away from the drop-zone.

But Nicholas knows that a couple of wins in their remaining nine league games should be enough to secure their status in the top flight. And the Newport manager is hoping his side can build on their midweek win at form team Halesowen Town with three points at the Pilot Field tomorrow (3pm).

However, County have never won against Hastings, either as Town or United, three games drawn and one lost.

"We're looking to build on our good 2-1 win at Halesowen," said Nicholas.

"That was an impressive performance, just like our previous three or four displays away from home when we got nothing.

"It's important to keep the momentum going."

Former academy and Plymouth Argyle YTS goalkeeper Gareth Wesson will retain his place as regular Pat Mountain is out for the rest of the season following surgery after suffering a chipped knee bone in last Saturday's 1-1 draw with Cambridge City.

Wesson, contracted to Welsh League Division Two outfit Newport YMCA, has now been loaned out to County for the rest of the season.

That deal, which was completed late last night, means the 21-year-old can play in Monday's massive FAW Premier Cup semi-final clash with neighbours Cardiff City.

Nicholas said: "I tried Football League and non-League teams before agreeing terms with Gareth.

"But most pro teams only carry two or three keepers now because of the current cash crisis in the game and no-one can afford to let their replacement keepers go out on loan for obvious reasons.

"We don't want to sign anyone on a long contract because Pat will be back for next season."

The signing of Wesson solves Nicholas' goalkeeper headache - and Newport YMCA were only too happy to help their city rivals.

"We wouldn't stand in Gareth's - or anyone's - way if they had the opportunity to play a higher standard of football," said YM chairman Viv Edwards.

Meanwhile, Nicholas is sweating on the fitness of centre-back Billy Clark (thigh) and midfield pair Mike Fowler (ankle) and Ryan Ashington (ill) for their trip to Hastings, a side that haven't won in the league for 11 games and lost their last three.

Hastings United (from) : D King, T Osborne, N Hegley, S Playford, T Burt, A Flanagan, J Bevis, R Collins, D McArthur, L Zahana-Oni, D Simmonds, C Honey, E Remy, G Webb

Newport County (from) G Wesson, C Collins, S Benton, J Perry, B Clark, J Eckhardt, N Davies, M Rose (c), K Dimond, G Shephard, N Davis, M Fowler, A Thomas, A Stevenson, R French, R Idze, R Plant,