Newport County midfielder Michael Fowler (pictured right) can vividly remember running out in front of a 50,000 crowd during his days at Crystal Palace.

But tomorrow he'll he in more humble surroundings as the Exiles clash with Newport YMCA at Mendalgief Road (7.30pm) in the first of their nine pre-season friendlies.

"When I was at Palace we played against the Chinese national team in Beijing," said the 20-year-old Barry-based Welshman.

"It was a great occasion and an experience I won't forget. "The surroundings will be a lot different tomorrow but it is good for two teams from the same city to play each other in a friendly - it shows community spirit on the part of both teams involved."

Fowler left Nationwide First Division Side Crystal Palace for Conference outfit Woking after being released by the Eagles last year - but quit the Surrey club due to the excessive travelling from his South Wales home.

And County boss Tim Harris - who is now set to start his sixth season at the Dr Martens Premier League club - was quick to snap up the ex-Wales under-18 international on a free transfer back in March.

Cardiff-born Fowler was the first to admit his fitness wasn't spot on when he arrived at Newport Stadium - but now he is feeling more positive. "Pre-season training has been hard but good," he said. "The attitude of all of the players is top class and they have all been working and training hard. "There is a buoyant atmosphere in the changing-room that perhaps this could be our season for promotion to the Conference."

County are without left-back Steve Benton for tomorrow's friendly as he is recovering from a knee operation.

Harris' 17-man squad includes fit -again striker Garry Shephard and defender Lee Stanton. Youth team regulars Dean Lewis, Matthew Currie, Raith Plant and Richard French could also get a chance to impress.

Newport YMCA have had their defence torn apart through injury with centre-back duo Mark Coldrick (cruciate knee ligament) and Darren Bidgood (leg operation) both out. The Welsh league Division Three outfit are also without unavailable strike pair Cortez Belle and Aaron Stewart - both of whom have been linked with other clubs.

New signing, 21-year-old striker Nicky Goddard, formerly of the club's youth set-up, is set to play while ex-County goalkeeper Gareth Wesson is likely to start against his old club. Newport YMCA (from) : G Wesson, J Pardue, L Walsh, S Pratt, G Lynch, C James, M Philips, M Crocker, C Egitto, P Tranter, N Goddard, B Hillman, R Wigmore, L Spargo Newport County (from) : R Johnson, J Eckhardt, A Thomas, S Walker, L Stanton, N Davies, R French, G Shephard, S Cowe, R Plant, D Robison (c), D Ryan, M Fowler, D Lewis, A Stevenson, M Currie, P Tassell.