NEWPORT County boss Dean Holdsworth has cut a frustrated figure for the past fortnight, but he’s relishing the Exiles’ return to action this weekend.

County’s FA Cup failure and the international break means it has been two weeks without a game for Holdsworth’s charges, who hammered Bromley 3-0 last time out.

However, just like with buses, you wait and you wait and now the Exiles have two games within 72 hours, tomorrow’s trip to Braintree (kick-off 3pm) followed by a visit to rivals Weston-Super-Mare on Monday evening, (kick-off 7.45pm).

Six points would make the world of difference to County, still precariously positioned in the Blue Square South and Holdsworth insists confidence is high in the camp.

He explained: “It’s been a nightmare not playing for two weeks, it couldn’t have come at a worse time for us because everyone has been buzzing around.

“But now we are ready for action again and feel it will be a good test for us, two tough away fixtures.

“We’ve been working hard on things like set-pieces, because attention to detail away from home is absolutely key.”

Holdsworth approaches the double-header with a full squad to choose from.

Striker Craig Reid has extended his stay at Spytty Park for a further three months and defender Paul Bignot has signed on for at least another month.

However, boss Holdsworth has cleared up confusion over defender Justyn Roberts, as it was reported on the Rushden and Diamonds website that the centre-half has signed permanently for Newport.

“No, that is not the case, Rushden have jumped the gun there,” Holdsworth said.

“From what we have seen so far, Justyn is a good defender and someone we are pleased to have on board.

“But no permanent deal has been signed yet.”

Holdsworth is likely to include striker Rui Branguina in his squad for at least one of the games.

The Portuguese starlet has impressed with training and Holdsworth is keen to see how he stands up to the rigours of non-league football before offering him a longer deal.

“Rui is like a breath of fresh air and the lads are quite taken with him,” he said.

“His English is good and he has very educated feet, potentially he could be a big acquisition for us.

“I am not sure whether he will start either game, but I intend to have a look at him sooner rather than later and we all have high hopes he can feature more regularly in the near future.

“Picking the side for tomorrow will be no easy task as the boys all look great at the moment.”

l County have confirmed the following details for Monday’s game: Newport supporters will be allowed into the large function room, The Somerset Suite, for drinks before the game. The bar will close at 7.15pm, 30 minutes before kick off and will remain closed until after the final whistle. Nobody will be allowed in at half-time.

Supporters will then be directed around to the away turnstiles where both will be open. Programmes will be on sale here as well as in the function room.

Newport supporters will be allocated the two open ends of the Stadium, but refreshments/toilets will be available.

Any supporter who intends to bring a bag into the ground will have that bag searched.

Providing there has been a peaceful atmosphere throughout the game then the Somerset Suite will be open after the final whistle.

Anyone in the disabled/elderly category will be treated with respect and will be allowed into the Stands.

This also applies to any families who travel to the game.

The County’s scheduled home game against Hayes and Yeading has been brought forward and will now take place on Friday November 7, kick-off 7.45pm.