NEWPORT County face a race against time to sign midfielder Ryan Gilligan before tomorrow’s season opener at Kettering Town.

The 24-year-old is still under contract at League Two Northampton Town and County manager Anthony Hudson is hopeful of securing him on loan with a view to a permanent move. But it now seems less likely that the deal will be done in time for him to face Kettering.

"We’re working very hard but it looks as if time might be running out," said Hudson.

If Gilligan is not available, Hudson will have to choose between Guillaume Velez, Paul Robson and Tom Miller to partner Tommy Doherty in central midfield. Scott Rogers is unlikely to be fit enough to start after recovering from a knee injury and Velez may have the edge as Miller and Robson look like they will be used in the Exiles’ back four.

Kettering are expecting a bigger crowd than normal tomorrow afternoon with season-ticket sales having doubled following the move to Rushden & Diamonds’ Nene Park stadium.

Despite initial opposition from fans, the Poppies went ahead with plans to take over the ground from Diamonds, who went into administration at the end of last season.

Chairman Imraan Ladak said: "Last year we sold 500 season tickets and now we’re at around 1,000. Initially our supporters were against the move – but that’s changed because we’ve been really honest with them.

"We’ve explained the situation at Rockingham Road and they’ve realised there’s no option. Once the decision to move had been made there were still fans who weren’t happy. But now we’re looking at way over 95% of them coming with us."

Manager Morell Maison is likely to start with seven new signings, including midfielder Aman Verma from Leicester City, right-back Phil Ifil from Dagenham & Redbridge and his older brother Jerel from Bristol Rovers.

Hudson, who watched Kettering stutter to a 1-1 draw at Brackley Town in a friendly last Saturday, is expecting a tough test.

"It will be a tough game, they are a strong team with a handful of players who can really cause us problems," said the Exiles boss.

"But there will be pressure on them and a lot of expectation with it being their first game at their new home and hopefully we can take advantage of that.

"We’re in good shape, exactly where we need to be, and we’ll be going there to get a win – we want to win every game we play."

Kettering (likely): Laurie Walker, Sol Davies, Phil Ifil, Jerel Ifil, Djoumin Sangare, Jamie Navarro, Craig Dobson, Marcus Kelly, Aman Verma, Jean-Paul Marna, Moses Ashikodi.

County (likely): Potter, Baker, Robson, Miller, Yakubu, Rose, Doherty, Velez, Jardim, Buchanan, McAllister.

l Tomorrow’s Blue Square Bet Premier match between AFC Telford United and Luton Town has been postponed.

A statement on the Telford website says the decision was taken after a request by the Gold Command of West Mercia Police.

It continues: "AFC Telford Utd, Luton Town and the Football Conference were left with little option but to agree with the request due to the unprecedented local and national circumstances."