COUNTY boss Peter Beadle is backing his strikers to get on the goal trail, starting with tomorrow's crucial Conference South basement battle with Maidenhead United at Spytty Park (kick-off 3pm).

Beadle allowed Cortez Belle to move to Llanelli last week, leaving him with just two senior strikers, Craig Hughes and youngster Matt Green (18).

County's top marksman this season has been Jason Bowen, though he has scored only three goals, two from the penalty spot.

However, Beadle - whose quest to bring in a new forward player continues - believes Hughes and Green have the ability to fire County out of trouble after last Saturday's defeat at Carshalton put the Exiles bottom of the table.

He explained: "Cortez Belle played with a cloud over his head the whole time I was here and no-one can tell me that Newport County got anything like the best out of him.

"He was hardly prolific for us this season (scoring twice) so I felt it was right to let him leave as he was one of the top-earners at the club.

"People will point to the fact that he scored twice last week (on his debut in a 3-1 win at Bangor) but that happens all the time when a player moves clubs.

"I still have Craig Hughes (two goals so far) and Matt Green and I have faith in the pair of them.

"Craig has a natural goalscorer's instinct and I believe in him, he will go on a run and start being more prolific because he is a good player.

"It's been a big step up for Matt Green but he has a good work rate and good technique. He is a handful and I would back him to start scoring as well.

"But in saying that, our midfield, and particularly our more senior players like Jason Bowen and Nathan Davies, need to lead by example and start chipping in as well."

Defender Paul Cochlin is still injured and will miss the game and Geraint Bater is a slight doubt with a heavy cold.