NEWPORT County have gone back to basics in an attempt to halt their slide down the Blue Square Bet Premier League table.

Caretaker manager Tim Harris has forced his players to watch a specially created DVD of their last six performances, which have seen them pick up just one win, concede 16 goals and drop from second to sixth.

The defensive horror show, which was screened at yesterday’s training session, will have made grisly viewing for the squad.

But Harris insists it was necessary if they are to get back to winning ways, starting at home to Rushden & Diamonds tomorrow. “We sat the players down to watch the DVD and analysed why we are conceding so many goals,” he explained.

“If you look at the current form table we’re not doing well at the moment. In fact, we’re in the bottom six.

“And apart from Rushden there is nobody who has conceded more fouls than us,” he added.

“We looked at how we can stop giving away needless free-kicks and putting ourselves under pressure.

“It’s basic stuff but it’s got to be done because we need to turn things round quickly.

“We’re still in a fantastic position in the table and we’ve got 19 games left to meet our target for the season.”

County have leaked 35 goals in 27 games so far this season, having conceded just 26 in 42 games on their way to the Blue Square South title last year.

Despite a busy week of inquiries, Harris’ search for defensive cover goes on and he is unlikely to make any additions to his squad before tomorrow’s match.

He confirmed that Jamie Collins, who missed last week’s 4-2 FA Trophy defeat at Mansfield through suspension, will start, despite speculation about his future at the club.

Collins, who is on non-contract terms with the Exiles, is believed to be a target for a number of Football League clubs.

But he will play alongside Chris Todd in central defence with captain Gary Warren still banned.

“Jamie is back from suspension and he will start,” said Harris. “The last clean sheet we had in the league (at home to Southport in November) was with him and Toddy at the back so hopefully we can return to that sort of form.”

Wayne Hatswell will assist Harris in a coaching capacity this weekend but will not be in the squad as he has not played since early December.

Darryl Knights (ankle) and Robbie Matthews (hamstring) should both be fit having taken part in training on Tuesday and Thursday this week and Graeme Montgomery is available after being cup-tied last week.

Meanwhile midfielder Scott Rogers could be set for a short-term loan move to regain his match-fitness.

“Scott was fantastic on his return after three months out against Mansfield but he needs games to get up to speed so he could go out on loan,” said Harris.