STRUGGLING Porthmadog must ring the changes for the visit to Newtown today.

One of the most urgent concerns for player-manager Clayton Blackmore is a replacement goalkeeper, with Richard Harvey – an ever-present last season – out with a thigh injury.

Blackmore is targeting Joe Sagar, an 18-year old from Oldham who has made reserve appearances for Glasgow Rangers, but international clearance has to be arranged.

Club captain and central defender Ryan Davies may well be out of action for two or three months, following an operation on a broken ankle.

Blackmore and left-back Mike Foster have to stand aside with hamstring pulls, while Carl Jones is suspended and Marcus Orlik is unavailable. Utilty man Danny Hughes returns.

Blackmore said: “The situation looks grim with so many key players out for different reasons, but we have 14 on standby and will battle for the points.”

Defensive worries continue to hamper Newtown’s plans, with injuries to experienced central defenders Hugh Clarke and Danny Jellicoe causing a headache before today’s game, writes John Bridgwater.

“Danny’s struggling with his knee ligaments and looks very doubtful while Clarkey has taken a kick to his achilles,” said manager Darren Ryan. “Although he’ll play if we want him, ideally he needs time out.”