GEOFF Butler is backing Newport IoW to win their fight against relegation from the Ryman Division 1 - provided they start taking their chances.

The Bashley manager readily admits the Islanders had ample opportunity to win Monday's 1-1 draw at St George's Park, but they paid the price for wastefulness.

"We weren't convincing by any stretch of the imagination and, on chances, Newport will feel they should have won," said Butler. "We frustrated them to a point but the lad Greening could have got a hat-trick.

"They were a bigger, stronger side than us with more experience and more knowledge and they've only got themselves to blame for not winning.

"Having seen the Dorkings and Croydons of this world, I can't believe Newport will go down - but they will if they don't take their chances and if they continue giving free-kicks away in stupid areas like the one Chris Ferrett scored from on Monday."

Newport manager John Linington agreed: "We could have had four goals against Bashley. David Greening missed a bucketful and Simon Pilcher had a good chance with a header.

"But we looked lively and sharp and hopefully if we play like that again tomorrow, the chances will go in at Cray."

Unfortunately for Newport they have been hit by an untimely two-match suspension for lively utility man Adam Bardsdell.

Linington said: "We've been waiting for Barny to produce and he has done, but now we're going to lose him. He was outstanding over Easter. We played him up front on his own last Saturday and in midfield against Bashley."

Recent signing James Dunk, from Moneyfields, also begins a three-match ban tomorrow, but he hasn't been seen since his recent sending-off against Metropolitan Police.

French striker Olamide Dedegbe has a suspected hernia, but he played the last 20 minutes against Bashley with no ill effects.

Greening was partnered up front on Easter Monday by ex-Bashley assistant manager Fraser Quirke, who has completed his move from Fleet Town.