Newport County boss Peter Nicholas is almost at the end of his tether.

The former Welsh skipper has been pulling his hair out watching his struggling Dr Martens League side miss goal-scoring chances aplenty while the pressure on his shoulders mount.

"We've created more openings this term than we did in the whole of last season," claims Nicholas.

"We just cannot score. I am frustrated, the players are frustrated and so are the fans - and quite-rightly so. But it will come good," he promised.

The Premier League season is eight matches old and the Exiles are yet to register a win, losing four and drawing just as many. Newport have drawn all three of their home games and Crawley Town, the guests to Spytty Park tomorrow (3pm), have tied all of their four away games.

"We're undefeated at home and that must continue tomorrow," insisted Nicholas.

"Our problem is scoring. If a player gets a chance he must keep a cool head, remain composed and not thrash at it.

"We are creating the openings but we need to keep calm in the box."

Nicholas knows that Crawley will be tough. Theye seem to enjoy their trips to South Wales, losing only once in six visits, and they aim to remain in the chasing pack at the top of the Premier League.

And while County are finding scoring a major predicament, Crawley are not as the Broadfield Stadium outfit are joint top-scorers in the division with 15 goals.

It doesn't get easier for Nicholas as Newport entertain second-placed Weymouth on Wednesday before a tricky trip to Hinckley United.

"We are in desperate need of a win now, however it comes. Three points are imperative," he said.

County, though, are still without defender Andrew Thomas and midfielder Nathan Davies (both ankle ligaments) while striker Neil Davis face a late fitness-test on a groin strain.

Newport County (from): P Mountain, T Evans, A Mumford, J Eckhardt, G Lloyd, M Rose (c), G Phillips, C Rogers, A Stevenson, G Shephard, M Dickeson, G Wesson, S Williams, L Stone, R Plant, N Palmer, J Phillips, A Williams, N Davis