SATURDAY’S League Two clash with Morecambe is a game that could define the rest of the season for Newport County AFC and one they must win, according to manager Graham Westley.

County were beaten 2-0 at home by Stevenage on Tuesday – a third defeat in succession in the league to leave them bottom of the table after 19 matches.

But they have the chance to put things right when 17th-placed Morecambe visit Rodney Parade this weekend and Westley says he will not tolerate another “rubbish” performance from his side.

“The game on Saturday is a home game against a side who have been struggling themselves,” said the Exiles boss.

“They had a good start to the season but they’re struggling and it’s a game that we have to win.

“I think we need to ask that question of the players and put them under the pressure that they have to win it.

“It’s one of those games that defines who we are and what we’re all about.

“We can’t keep putting in shows like that and keep hiding behind it.

“We lost 1-0 against Wycombe and 2-0 against Stevenage because we haven’t been brave enough in the two boxes.

“We haven’t shown enough passion and desire to win the ball.

“It’s the basics; we haven’t run hard enough, we haven’t been prepared to be better than the bloke we’re up against.

“He’s wanted it more than us in too many areas of the pitch.

“That just isn’t good enough and none of us are going to tolerate it.

“The fans are not going to tolerate it, I’m not going to tolerate it – trust me – and I’ll do what I have to do to sort it out.

“We will have players out there at the weekend who want to win the football match.

“I’m going to offer the shirts and if they want to take them I need people who are prepared to bloody themselves to go and win the football match.

“I’m not prepared to tolerate that sort of rubbish anymore.”

Striker Josh O’Hanlon should be available to face Morecambe after being rested on Tuesday.

“I think he probably will be back,” said Westley. “He’s a player like [Jack] Jebb who’s come in and played a lot of football in a very short period of time.

“Those players run out of steam from time to time and he’s rested to get himself right so I’d be surprised if Josh isn’t involved at the weekend.”

Loan star Reece Grego-Cox will not be available as he’s been forced to return to his parent club Queens Park Rangers having been sidelined by injury since October.

Sean Rigg will also be missing through suspension, although he will now be able to play in the FA Cup second round replay against Plymouth Argyle after that tie was moved to December 21 due to TV coverage.