NEWPORT are contemplating playing four matches inside eight days to help clear a back-log of wet-weather postponements which has so far cost them upwards of £25,000.

And such is manager Tony Mount's desperation to get fixtures moving again that he is even prepared to surrender home advantage to Weymouth in the Dr Martens League Cup.

Tuesday's waterlogged Hampshire Senior Cup tie against Basingstoke Town has been rearranged for the same day next week (7.45) and negotiations are under way with Weymouth to slot in the much-delayed DML Cup first round tie next Thursday at the Wessex Stadium.

Either side the Islanders, who have not played a league game since November 11, face two crucial Eastern Division home dates against Wisbech, this Saturday, and table-topping Chelmsford (December 23).

"Looking at the state of our pitch it's doubtful whether any of those home games will beat the weather, but we've got to get something moving," said Mount. "If we give up home advantage to Weymouth there's at a least a good chance of getting that match out of the way - otherwise we could have to forfeit another Saturday league fixture to get it played."

Bashley, who await the winners of that Newport v Weymouth tie, have lined up a friendly against Neil McNab's Portsmouth under-21 side at the Recreation Ground next Wednesday (7.45).

A quarter-final trip to Durham awaits the Hampshire under-18 squad if they get past Middlesex at Cams Alders on Saturday (December 16, 2pm) in the third round of the FA County Youth Cup.

In their two run-outs of the season so far, Hampshire have twice beaten Oxfordshire - 2-0 in the South West Counties Championship and 4-1 in the last round of the Cup.

Hampshire squad: Aaron Hedges (BTC Hiltingbury/Eastleigh Comrades), Daniel Boere, Adam Cook, Robin Cook, Chris Knight, Craig Rickman, Glen Vine (all Eastleigh), Luke Byles, Scott Jacobs (both Bashley), Andrew McGlashen (Ludershall Sports/Salisbury City), Ryan Young (Ludgershall Sports), Chris Cousens, Stephen Whitcher (both Hamble ASSC), Liam Cockerill (Portsmouth RN), Kraig Chapman (BAT Sports/Jayhard), Brad Smith (Alton Town), Danny Hopkins (Moneyfields), Lance Cooper (New Street), Jamie Sampson (BAT Sports/Brockenhurst).