MIDFIELDER Mike Fowler (pictured) cannot underestimate Newport County's forthcoming Dr Martens Premier Division double-header with Cambridge City and Halesowen.

"They are massive games," said the 22-year-old. "No doubt about it, we need to win them."

Defeat for County against Cambridge at Newport Stadium on Saturday (3pm) would equal their worse league run of five consecutive losses.

And Peter Nicholas' goal-shy men haven't scored for four games, a drought last achieved by Newport in March and April 1996 when the Welshmen, under Graham Rogers, lost six on the spin.

The 12th-place Exiles are desperate for points against 16th-placed Cambridge and 20th-placed Halesowen, both of whom are battling to avoid relegation, to keep themselves out of the drop-zone.

Fowler admits players are looking over their shoulders, and with seven points separating them and Halesowen, who are one of the four relegation places, six points in the next two outings is vital.

"We have been playing superb football but just can't finish it off," said Fowler.

"Everyone at the club are all confident that it will come good and, when it does, we'll give a team an absolute pasting."

Meanwhile, County boss Nicholas and centre-back Jason Perry say they will wait for referee Paul Norman's report before considering appealing against both of their sendings-off in Tuesday's defeat at Havant and Waterlooville.

Nicholas was dismissed for stepping-out of the technical area while Perry received a second yellow card for 'clashing' with Havant striker James Taylor.

But Perry claimed he didn't strike the player and insisted Taylor made a meal of the incident.

And County's long-awaited FAW Premier Cup semi-final showdown with Cardiff City on Monday week could be a family affair.

As Exiles star Mike Fowler is ready to lock horns with his Welsh Under-21 brother Lee in the centre of what will prove to be a hotly-contested midfield.

"The last time we played against each other was at Under-tens level," remembered Fowler.

"And my team, Pentwyn, beat his side, Bridgend Street, 14-0 in the Cardiff League!"

A quarter of County's 1,500 tickets for that clash with Cardiff have already been sold.

Tickets, costing £10 for adults, £6 for senior citizens and £3 for juniors, will be on sale at Saturday's game with Cambridge.

Season Ticket holders have until 4pm next Tuesday to claim their places and the club have asked them to ensure they are claimed by then otherwise they will be snapped up after the deadline.