THE Newport Hornets are safe from the axe – at least in the short term.

Owner Steve Mallett had warned that the team might have to be pulled due to low attendances at Queensway Meadows.

But the reprieve is not unconditional and crowd figures will be closely monitored in future.

Mallett said: “The attendance for our most recent home match in the cup was still not good enough but we had a meeting of senior management and decided to persevere for now.

“However, we do appeal to Newport fans that if they want us to be able to run a second team then they must get down here for the next home fixture against Mildenhall on Bank Holiday Monday, May 30, and show their support.”