Newport County are still aiming for promotion to the Nationwide Conference and hope to kick-start their stuttering season with a home win over Moor Green tomorrow (3pm).

Newly-appointed assistant manager Jason Perry says the Exiles will continue to strive for that goal until it is "mathematically impossible."

He said: "We've got to aim for that - but the manager (Tim Harris) is thinking about the long-term future of the club rather than just the short-term.

"It would be great to go up and that is still our ultimate aim this season. But the club are building an infrastructure that can sustain Conference football, rather than go up, become the whipping boys and come straight back down again."

That push will have to start sooner rather than later if promotion from the Dr Martens Premier Division is tobe a realistic possibility as Newport languish in 14th place, 13 points behind leaders Havant and Waterlooville.

County go into tomorrow's match against the Midlanders at Newport Stadium unbeaten on their home turf - with two wins and three draws.

Newport will be without left-midfielder Scott Griffin for at least another week with a knee injury while striker Garry Shephard is doubtful with another ankle problem.

The 25-year-old forward returned to action on Tuesday during Newport's FAW Premier Cup clash at Camarthen Town after recovering from an ankle problem - but took another knock on a different part of his ankle during that match.

Fellow striker Martin Paul and young defender Andrew Thomas also took "knocks" against the West Wales side, but County boss Tim Harris said their injuries were "not considered a major problem".

Newport's form has been very inconsistent in the league - winning four, drawing four and losing five. They have lost their last two league games but have won two cup games on the trot against lower-league opposition - beating Andover 4-0 in the FA Cup fourth qualifying round and Camarthen 1-0.

"My honest assessment," said Harris, "is that in the last two league defeats against Tamworth and Bath we performed well and deserved something. But as long as we continue those good performances it will come together."

Newport now have two home matches in three days with league highfliers Weymouth due at Newport Stadium on Monday night(7.45pm).

lCounty are offering youngsters and their parents a chance to visit Old Trafford, the home of the world's biggest football team, Manchester United.

The trip to Manchester, on Thursday, October 25, will include a tour of the stadium, a visit to the club's museum and the opportunity for young players to be coached by one of United's coaches at The Cliff, their world-famous former training ground.

The coach will leave Newport Stadium at 8am next Thursday and the trip will cost £29 per person.

For more information contact Newport County on 01633-662262.

* In the picture: Defender Billy Clark is expected to return for Newport County to face Moor Green.