NEWPORT County's recent woes in the Blue Square South are compounded by an injury crisis ahead of tonight's crunch clash at Welling United, (kick-off 7.45pm).

The Exiles have taken just two points from their last four league games and currently sit six points outside the playoff positions, though they have three games in hand on fifth-placed Eastleigh.

Sunday's 3-1 home reverse to Lewes has led to an unprecedented level of doom and gloom on the Exiles messageboards and that negativity won't be helped by tonight's team news.

Goalkeeper Glyn Thompson, and central defensive duo Lee Jarman and Mark Dodds will require late fitness tests, while fellow defender Ian Hillier is out.

Thompson is suffering from a hamstring strain, Jarman a groin problem and Dodds went off on Sunday with a hip injury.

Young teenage stopper Scott James is standing by to make his debut, number two keeper Tony Pennock also ruled out after almost slicing off his own foot in a freak lawnmower accident.

Manager Peter Beadle has moved quickly to reinforce his rearguard by recalling Paul Cochlin from Cirencester, and he is set to make his first Conference South appearance for the Exiles in almost 15 months since breaking his leg in December 2006.

It's a worrying time for County - their worst run of form in the league punctuated by Tuesday's thrilling FAW Premier Cup triumph at Ninian Park.

Beadle is confident his side will bounce back this evening, though he admits that Sunday's defeat led to one of the biggest dressing room showdowns in his time at the club.

He explained: "I have faith in the squad, though our recent run of results and performances in the league have been totally unacceptable.

"I was furious on Sunday, it was one of the biggest batterings I've given the players and we aren't helped by having so many injuries.

"Glyn is struggling with his thigh, he could play tonight, we'll assess him before kick-off. I felt on Sunday his injury affected him, Scott James will start if we don't feel Glyn is fit.

"Both Jarman and Dodds have a chance of playing, but perhaps it would be wise not to risk both of them.

"Paul Cochlin would have been recalled anyway, I decided about 30 seconds after the Lewes game that now was the right time to bring him back.

"He's a popular figure and his return boosts us all."

Beadle continues to monitor Sam O'Sullivan's form at Yate, he scored at the weekend and had his best game of a so far seven-match loan spell.

"Sam was out a long time and his rhythm suffered, he's slowly coming back into form though and that is great news for us," he said.

Beadle gathered the players at Spytty Park last night to relive Sunday's defeat in the form of a video nasty.

"The players came in and we watched the whole game, it's vital we learn from what we are doing wrong and move on," he said.

"At the moment we have three or four players out of form and I think it's safe to say there will be changes tonight."

The Argus expects Nathan Davies to return to the starting line-up this evening, his recent exclusion a major bone of contention with the County faithful.

Davies has been struggling with a groin problem in recent weeks but is expected to return after something of a rest.

Meanwhile, Charlie Griffin, Julian Alsop, Richard Evans and Jason Bowen could all find their places under threat as the aforementioned out of form players.' Beadle may adopt a narrower midfield trio of Davies, Andy Gurney and Lee Fowler with one of Evans or Bowen missing out and Jermaine Clarke spearheading the attack.

County (Argus predicted team): Thompson/ James, Jenkins, Searle, Cochlin, Jarman/Dodds, Gurney, Davies, Fowler, Bowen, Hughes, Clarke Subs (from): James/Ovendale, Dodds, Simpson, A Evans, R Evans, Alsop, Griffin

Meanwhile, Beadle will host a meet the managers night at Baramber on Thursday, starting at 7.30pm.

County will face Llanelli in the final of the FAW Premier Cup.

Newport-born Peter Nicholas, dismissed as County boss three-and-a-half years ago, will see his Llanelli side meet the Exiles after a 1-0 semi-final win over Carmarthen last night.

Llanelli made the final for the first time after former County triallist Mark Pritchard's first half header.

The Argus understands that an FAW Committee will decide today who has home advantage for the final, set for March 11 (subject to confirmation).

Both Spytty Park and Stebonheath Park are in the running to host the clash, though County had home advantage in the final last season.