NEWPORT County face their sternest pre-season challenge tonight as they face Third Division Shrewsbury Town at Newport Stadium.

This will be the Exiles' third game in four days, following quickly on from victories over Welsh League Division Three side Newport YMCA on Friday night and a relatively comfortable win over Dr Martens Western League outfit Cinderford Town less than 24 hours later.

Matt Rose, pictured, Scott Walker and Billy Clark all scored second-half goals for County as they strolled to victory at The Causeway on Saturday afternoon.

Jamie Thompson scored a late consolation for Cinderford while former Exile Simon Truman had an early penalty saved by Newport keeper Pat Mountain. Another ex-County player, Jamie Hammond, went close but his 20-yard effort came back off the crossbar.

Welsh semi-pro striker Mark Dickeson, who signed from League of Wales Llanelli earlier this summer, had his first outing in County colours and looked sharp. He was replaced at half-time by young attacker Raith Plant.

It was a sweet return to his old stamping ground for Newport boss Tim Harris but he insisted: "Results during pre-season are not important.

"It's all about the natural progession of the players' fitness levels. The majority of the squad have had 90 minutes over the weekend.

"We have been a bit sloppy at times but we have also passed the ball well," added Harris.

"However, it isn't about that at the moment, it's about getting match practice and match fitness back. It will help improved the players' touches and feeling during a game situation."

He used all three trialists keepers, as well as first choice Mountain, over the weekend. They were ex-Shrewbury youngster Tim Hart, former Barry Town goalie Richard Johnson and ex-Oxford City stopper Paul Tassell all had 45 minutes.

Harris added: "We desperately need a number two keeper. We were lucky that Pat wasn't injured last year and we do need cover in that position."