The Greens Meadow-based Ridgeons League Division One strugglers travel to second-from-bottom Cornard United (ko 3pm), boosted by the signing of Gareth Ward and the return from suspension of winger Warren Taylor-Holt.

Holding midfielder Ward is Newman's first signing since taking over the Stow hotseat last month and has joined until the end of the season.

Newman said, "It will be interesting to see how the two players fit into the middle four. I have not seen much of Warren since my arrival but I am aware of his pace and overall talent on the ball. Having him back in contention is a big plus.

"Gareth has been involved with the armed forces recently and he is my kind of player - a tough tackling central midfielder who can distribute the ball nicely as well."

Stow suffered a narrow 2-1 home defeat against promotion-chasing Downham Town on Saturday (match report on page 59), condemning the club to its sixth league defeat in seven matches.

However, Newman insists his side showed enough quality over the 90 minutes to suggest a rise in fortune is just around the corner.

"We were really disappointed to lose in the end because we created a host of great goalscoring opportunities," he said.

"I feel if we can turn our possession and chances into goals then we will can still turn this season into a success."

Tomorrow's opponents ruined Newman's first game as Stow chief with a 2-1 victory at Greens Meadow last month. The Blackhouse Lane based club have won only twice all season but three points tomorrow will see them move to within two points of fourth-from-bottom Stowmarket.

"It is a crucial fixture," added Newman. "They are in a similar position to us and it is important we go there believing we can win the game."

James Carr will miss the game through suspension.