PETER Nicholas (pictured) has pleaded with Newport County fans not to panic after they suffered their second defeat in a row at Hednesford Town on Saturday.

Former Welsh international Nicholas, who took over the managerial reins from Tim Harris in November, insists building a team capable of winning promotion to the Nationwide Conference is a long-term process.

"We're building a team here at Newport County," vowed Nicholas. "You just wait and see what we can achieve long-term.

'If we play like we did at Hednesford every week with the commitment they showed, we'll win more games than we lose.

"The last two weeks we've been away from home and we've run most of the game. Some of our passing and movement were very good."

Nicholas pointed to the fact Welsh semi-pro striker Mark Dickeson, sidelined until the new season with a cruciate knee ligament injury, and Neil Davis, who has been plagued with knee problems, are out more often than not.

Nicholas said: "I know that we are not scoring goals but when you've got two of your front-line strikers out of the equation any team in the land will struggle.

"But it's all about building a team and getting used to my way of playing this season. We're not going to go down and we're not going to win the league.

"I'm disappointed that we lost on Saturday but I'm not disappointed with the performance and the way we played."

Davis made his first appearance for almost three-and-a-half months on Saturday, coming on as a second-half substitute and is available for selection for tomorrow's Dr Martens Premier Division trip to Havant and Waterlooville (7.45pm).

Midfielder Mike Fowler, an unused replacement against Hednesford, faces a late fitness-test on a knee problem while centre-back Billy Clark is doubtful as he has family responsibilities.