NEWTOWN will wield the axe for today’s home clash with fellow strugglers Newi Cefn Druids after the Robins slipped into a tense relegation dogfight.

Last weekend’s 1-0 defeat at bottom side Caernarfon saw the Robins dragged back into the mire, and boss Darren Ryan will ring the changes for today’s home clash.

“Last week was very disappointing as we could have got something from the game had we played anything like we can,” he said.

“But we just didn’t get going and only a couple of players came out of the game with any credit. Every time the lads put three or four good performances together, they then seem to let me and the club down with a bad performance, so there’s going to be a few changes.

“Other results have been going our way, but we’re making it difficult for ourselves. Our last five games are all cup finals, and I want the lads to show a bit more fight.”

Versatile left-back Kevin Scott will make his debut after arriving from Bangor City while a couple of players recently on the bench could be handed a chance.

Mattie Lewis faces a fitness test on a neck injury he picked up last week but defender Brian Showdery is suspended.

Druids, who are level on points with Newtown, aim to halt a run of six straight defeats that has pushed them back into trouble following a mid-season revival.

Ancients boss Dixie McNeil will take a break from managing the team over the next few weeks due to his mother’s illness, with joint-manager Graham Jones taking the reins.

Meanwhile, Caernarfon are at Haverfordwest today for their sixth away trip in seven games, writes Keith Evans.

The Canaries are anxious for revenge having lost 4-1 to County at The Oval in mid-November.

Caernarfon have drawn four out of five in recent trips to Bridge Meadow.

Manager Steve O’Shaughnessy said: “It is bound to be tough – every game is these days – but if we can keep things tight at the back and snap up our chances, then the three points can be ours.”

Caernarfon’s 2-0 defeat to Aberystwyth on Tuesday is their only defeat in eight games – the Canaries are behind Cwmbran Town on goal difference only, having played the same number of games.

O’Shaughnessy said of Tuesday’s defeat: “Some of the lads were held up in traffic en route and were late arriving, so that the starting line-up was not what I would have picked.

“Aberystwyth scored a couple of quick goals while we were adjusting, and although we played a lot better in the second half we did not put away our chances.”

Caernarfon will be without striker John Rowley (toe), but forward Gwyn Peters (ankle) returns, while centre-back James Glendenning may also be involved.