'A RUDE awakening' - that's how manager Tim Harris summed up his side's 4-2 defeat at King's Lynn, but the Exiles have a chance to bounce back tonight.

County take on Salisbury City who drew 1-1 with Ilkeston Town on Saturday, and Newport need a positive result at Spytty Park Stadium (7.45pm), to boost their confidence.

Saturday's defeat was the first time County have lost their opening league fixture since the club was re-formed in 1989, but manager Tim Harris, pictured, was more concerned about the performance than the result.

"We didn't get going, we were 3-0 down at half-time and it was very poor," he said.

"We had to change it at half-time and we had four clear opportunities to score, then they went and got a fourth.

"There was a distinct lack of leadership out there and that's not just aimed at the captain, but at all the players. No one really wanted to take the initiative.

"It's rude awakening, we have got to pick ourselves up now and transfer that performance in the second-half into tonight's game.

"That was a poor display, but we can take a little bit of heart in the second half's performance."

Harris added he shared fans bitter disappointment, but expected to see Newport's strong second-half performance continue into tonight's match.

"We have brought in some good players, but we didn't really play," he said.

"I'm sure all the supporters who made the journey to Norfolk are understandably disappointed, but the bottom line is we have got to try and get that continuity going."

Jason Perry and Nathan Davies will miss tonight's game with injuries, but could figure in Saturday's home game against Stafford Rangers.

County squad for tonight: Mountain, Robison, Eckhart, Clark, Suter, James, Rose, Walker, Cowe, Shaphard, Paul, Griffin, Benton, Dorrian, Thomas.

* There is a penalty competition at half-time involving Spytty the dog.