NEWPORT County’s defensive lynchpin Kevin Stephens believes the Exiles will face the music today and earn their first victory of the season.

The part-time music producer, who has made a huge impression with the County faithful since joining the club this summer, is adamant that a turn of fortune is around the corner for the Exiles.

In a disappointing campaign so far in which County have collected just one point from nine, Stephens has been without question their most consistent and impressive outfield player.

Indeed, the former Leyton Orient and Redbridge right back has been popular with supporters since winning out in an off-the-ball scuffle at Merthyr back in pre-season.

"Yes, I remember that, the guy obviously didn’t know who he was messing with, that is just the way I play," he joked.

"I am pleased if you think the fans have taken to me, but I feel like I have it all to prove, we all do.

"At the end of the day this is virtually an entirely new team and it will take a bit of time to hit our stride.

"But we can’t afford to squander too many points and certainly we’re targeting a win today and a good result at Bath on Monday."

Stephens has been playing through the pain barrier recently, but it is not just a thigh injury that has kept him in the company of physio Tommy Cosh.

He explained: "The thigh thing is no big problem, I probably shouldn’t have played at Chelmsford, but I was that determined to get a result that I had to be involved.

"This week I have had plenty of rest and treatment so hopefully that problem is behind me.

"But Tommy has helped with other stuff to. My career as a music producer involves a lot of late nights, so I have stepped away from that a little bit for now.

"Obviously when you’re in and around the music scene you work late, you eat late, and it’s not always great food, so Tom has given me a new diet – the club are very professional like that. I think it is making a difference.

"I see this as my big chance to succeed in football after leaving Orient, County are a massive club.

"More people were at our first game of the season than when I made my first team debut at Brisbane Road, so that says something."

Stephens admitted he was disappointed to see close friend Nick Skelton leave the club this week, though he has found a silver lining.

"Nick’s a good player and a good lad and he will do well wherever he goes," Skelton said.

"We had been travelling up together in the car from London – Skelton, Stephens, Dave Collins and Anthony Church – so now it’ll just be the three of us.

"But at least we won’t have to put up with Nick’s music anymore, because his taste is absolutely terrible!"

Manager Dean Holdsworth is expected to pick from a fully fit squad, with the exception of goalkeeper Scott James who looks set for a loan exit once he regains fitness.

However, the squad is lighter than last weekend after Skelton and Paul Keddle left the club, Keddle set to sign for Merthyr.

Holdsworth hopes to sign a new central defender this week.