Newport County have stepped up their plans for next season by tying two more key players to new contracts.

Skipper Gary Warren and midfield playmaker Danny Rose signed new deals last night which will keep them at Spytty Park until at least April 2012.

The news comes just a week after forward Sam Foley agreed to stay for a further two years and, with top scorer Craig Reid also tied up until April 2011, it means the Exiles have protected four of their best assets at a crucial time in the season.

With his side 10 points clear at the top of the Blue Square South and promotion a real possibility, manager Dean Holdsworth is already planning for next season with general manager Tim Harris.

Holdsworth is delighted that four of his key players are signed up in an attempt to ward off interest from other clubs and also revealed that he is in talks with other members of the squad about new deals.

“It’s key to keep the squad together, to keep that continuity going, and protect ourselves as a club,” said Holdsworth. “Along with Sam, who signed last week, Gary and Danny are big players for us and they’ve earned their extensions..

“They are big personalities on and off the pitch and they’ve played a big part in our success.

“I’m very pleased that they have agreed to stay and hopefully they will be the first of many. We’re always planning for the future and I’ve already talked to two or three others about new contracts as well.”

Warren and Rose both emphasised that the fantastic team spirit in the squad was a key factor in agreeing to commit their futures to the club.

“There have been a lot of new faces coming in but we’ve all gelled well and we are all friends on and off the pitch,” said Warren.

“I’m very pleased to be staying on and I just hope we can go on to finish the job this season and clinch promotion.”

“Team spirit is a massive factor in our success,” agreed Rose, who is currently sidelined with a foot injury.

“The gaffer is great with us and he’s kept the nucleus of the squad together from the end of last season.

“We’re a tight group now. We all believe that this club is going places and I want to be a part of that.”

Weymouth suffered another financial blow last night after their Dorset Senior Cup quarter-final at Gillingham Town was postponed less than an hour before kick-off.

The Toolstation Western League Division One side’s ground has not had a first team fixture played on it since October but officials at the Hardings Lane outfit were hopeful that the dry weather of the past couple of days would mean their clash with the Terras would go ahead.

However, rain yesterday afternoon eventually put paid to that, meaning players, management, staff and a coach load of supporters from Weymouth had a wasted journey.

“We arrived and there was no problem when we were all in the dressing room,” said manager Ian Hutchinson. “I walked out to have a look at the pitch and saw the referee out there. I didn’t realise it was in doubt at all, it didn’t look bad from the dressing rooms.

“I walked on the pitch and there was an area of about 40x40 yards that was just totally unplayable.

“Common sense prevailed at the end of the day and the referee had to call it off – we didn’t want any injuries.

“It’s disappointing because Gary Calder has been on the phone all day checking it’s definitely going to go ahead and there has not been a problem but unfortunately we all arrived, had a coach load of supporters as well, and we’ve been told to turn back.

“At the end of the day we haven’t got any injuries out of it and the semi-finals aren’t until March so hopefully common sense will prevail again and we will play it after Christmas because we’ve got some important games coming up.

“It would have been nice to have got the call two hours ago so we didn’t have to set off – we’ve had lads coming in cars and travelling long distances.”

The Terras will now have to pay out to travel to Gillingham again – an expense a club with £700,000 of debt could clearly have done without – but it means Hutchinson should have an almost fully fit squad to choose from when Braintree Town visit the Wessex Stadium on Saturday.

However, experienced midfielder Andy Harris will be unavailable as he needs minutes on the pitch to help him regain his fitness following a knee injury and will probably travel with the reserves to Swanage Town & Herston instead.

“Next time he is going to get 90 minutes under his belt will hopefully be Saturday,” said Hutchinson. “He’s itching to play and champing at the bit to get back involved but he does need games under his belt before he plays.”

Gillingham`s Andy Pugh has extended his loan spell with Blue Square South club Welling United for a second month.

Mark Stimson, boss of the Coca-Cola League Two side confirmed: “Andy is going to extend his loan to get some football and we’ll have 24-hour call back on that. If we need him back will call him and use him.”

Welling manager Jamie Day has made no secret of his admiration for Pugh, who was used as a lone striker in the Wings' FA Trophy First Round defeat to Eastbourne Borsough on Saturday.

Pugh scored twice in as many games at the start of his loan spell at Park View Road but has not found the target in his last four games.

The new deal covers the Christmas double header with Bromley, trips to St Albans City and Hampton & Richnond Borough and the home game with Weymouth.

Jules Emati-Emati is keen to lift Dorchester Town from their lowly position in Blue Square South.

The striker, who originally spent the summer on trial with the Magpies before joining Dawlish Town, enjoyed his first run out for the club since penning a week-to-week deal over the weekend courtesy of last night’s 2-0 friendly win over Bridport.

The 27-year-old hopes to make his competitive debut this Saturday at Chelmsford City, but his main aim is to see an upturn in fortunes for his new team, who lie five points above the relegation zone.

And to achieve that, Emati-Emati believes the Magpies must give every ounce of energy. He said: “Everyone has to put in a lot to help the team work better and win games. Everyone has to give their best no matter how many minutes they are on the pitch for.

“We have good players here and everyone has to earn the right to play, but it’s important to help the team win and keep moving up the table.”

Emati-Emati has climbed three rungs on the football ladder following his move from Toolstation Western League Premier Division outfit Dawlish, and although keen to progress further, the hit man is fully focused on the task in hand.

He added: “It’s a big step from Dawlish but I’m happy to be here.

"You never know, it could be a springboard but I will just concentrate on helping Dorchester to win as many games as possible.”

After Saturday’s clash with Chelmsford, the Magpies welcome rivals Weymouth to the Jewson Stadium on Boxing Day with revenge at the forefront of their minds following last month’s FA Trophy defeat at the Wessex Stadium.

Emati-Emati, who has previously played in the Spanish third division and the Chinese second division, said: “It’s a local derby and derbies are always good to play in so I’ll look forward to those games.

“But first and foremost I’ll be taking things step by step, starting with Saturday’s game at Chelmsford, where I’ll try to do my best and help the team win.”

Caretaker-manager Ashley Vickers believes Emati-Emati will prove to be an integral part of the county town squad.

He said: “Jules and Ryan Moss had a little understanding when Jules came on last night. He can sometimes be a bit like Paulo Wanchope in that he’s slightly unorthodox, but he’ll be a thorn in anyone’s side.

“I think he’ll become better against better opposition and he’ll be a very important member of the squad.”

Former chairman Eddie Mitchell (left) did not wish to comment when quizzed by Echosport in regards to the ongoing legal issues between himself and Dorchester Town.

Weston-super-Mare are without the suspended pair of Jack Compton and Adie Harris for tonight's Blue Square South game at Eastleigh.

Weston, who are struggling to pull away from the relegation zone, are also without young defender Tom Parrinello, who has been told to rest for three or four weeks because of a knee injury.

Tom Evans, who suffered a knee injury in Saturday's 3-0 defeat at Staines Town, is a doubt.

Weston manager Andy Gurney said: "At Staines, we missed a penalty and missed chances which would have put us in the game.

"Two of Staines' goals came from corners, and this is something we worked on in Monday evening's training session as Eastleigh are a good side who are dangerous from set plays."

Thurrock gave their Blue Square South promotion bid a massive boost last night when they beat Worcester City at Ship Lane.

The visitors, struggling close to the bottom, had received a massive boost on Saturday with a home FA Trophy win over Premier side Grays Athletic.

But they were rocked when David Bryant gave Fleet a first minute lead.

Craig Wilding levelled on the 10th minute, but Thurrock claimed all three points with a 2-1 success when Matt Bodkin netted on 55 minutes.

Blue Square South club Thurrock have signed defender Craig Pope from Blue Square Premier side Histon.

Pope, 27, was one of the most consistent players at the Glassworld Stadium, which is why it came as a shock to supporters when he was one of the four named to go by chairman Tony Roach on Monday.

Originally with Barnet, Pope joined the Stutes from neighbours Cambridge City at the start of the 2007/08 season.

In August 2008 Pope announced that he was retiring from the game after being handed a four-match ban for using 'abusive and/or insulting words aggravated by a racial element' during the Boxing Day game with Cambridge United.

He denied the claims and chose to challenge the ruling in an attempt to clear his name and Histon supported him in both the original hearing and the subsequent appeal.

He made sixty-nine appearances in his time at Histon and should prove to be a major asset to the Essex club`s play-off bid.

Andy Gurney (left), manager of Blue Square South strugglers Weston-super-Mare, has secured the signing of midfielder Ben Osman from Blue Square Premier side Salisbury City.

Ben is the son of ex-Ipswich, Bristol City and England defender Russell Osman.

He originally joined Salisbury on-loan from Coca-Cola League One side Exeter City along with twin brother Toby last March.

Both subsequently signed permanent deals at the Raymond McEnhill Stadium during the last close season.

Andy Hessenthaler heaped praise on his Dover Athletic side as they came through a tricky trip to Hampshire in the FA Trophy.

Shaun Welford’s header on the hour mark won an entertaining game for the Whites, who booked their place in round two for the first time in six seasons.

Hessenthaler was delighted with the result, which helped make amends for the league defeat against the Hawks earlier in the season.

He said: “It was a tremendous performance from the lads, especially as we were down to 15 fit players. I thought we thoroughly deserved to win the game. It’s not an easy place to go as we found out in the league, but the boys coped well and despite a number of changes I had to make to the side we came through.

“We are now unbeaten in five and the boys are showing great character. After the Weston-super-Mare defeat they got a bit of stick and it was deserved, but now they are all stepping up to the plate and being counted, which is great to see.”

Hessenthaler had to name himself among the substitutes for the trip along the south coast due to an injury list which included Sam Gore, Dean Hill, Jake Leberl, Lee Browning and Craig Cloke.

Centre-half Nathan Walker has said goodbye to his Wimborne Town team-mates as he prepares to move to the Jewson Stadium to join up with Ashley Vickers and Dorchester Town.

The 23-year-old is expected to put pen to paper today on terms that will see him registered for both the Magpies and his former club.

Walker has gained a reputation for being a goalscoring defender after netting in each of his two games – against Brading on Saturday and the winner last Tuesday at Tooting & Eling.

Ex-Dorchester player, and now Wimborne manager Alex Browne, said: “It’s good for Wimborne they are developing players to go higher. We will miss Nathan, but we wish him all the best.

“We’ll still have his registration so if things don’t pan out like he wants them to, he’s always welcome back with us.

“If he doesn’t get games, hopefully Dorchester will let him play for us.

“I hope it works out for him. He has the ability. There are one or two things he needs to work on, but I’m sure he’ll be able to do that at Dorchester.”

The transfer could finally be completed after the Magpies made it clear that Vickers would remain in charge until after Christmas.

“Nathan phoned me up every night last week for advice because I’m his friend as well as his manager,” added Browne. “I told him to speak to Dorchester chairman Shaun Hearn to get it from the horse’s mouth and I think they have sorted something out.”

And Walker could feature in a hastily-arranged friendly tonight or an in-house practice game, depending on what Vickers is able to sort out for his charges.

They have not played since winning 2-1 at home to Hampton & Richmond and will not play again until they visit Chelmsford City on Saturday.

“He’s coming but he hasn’t signed the papers yet,” said Vickers. “I don’t like to say it’s done until it’s done, but it’s in the process of being done, he said his goodbyes to Wimborne and we are looking forward to welcoming him.”

Lewes will continue their search for a goalscorer after being forced to settle for an FA Trophy replay.

The Rooks will try again against Hampton and Richmond at the Dripping Pan on Wednesday, knowing they had enough chances to settle this tie at the first attempt.

Steve Ibbitson’s men played as well as they have done all season but their lack of punch in front of goal continues to be their downfall.

The club’s financial predicament means Ibbitson cannot go out and sign the striker his team needs.

In the last two games the Rooks boss has tried five different teenagers in attack and, while they all have potential, they lack reliability an experienced striker brings.

Ibbitson has been trying to juggle the money available to him to bring someone in but with the club still paying off debts and no sign of a big benefactor coming in it is not easy.

He said: “You look at Saturday's game and see how well we played but we just haven’t got that threat in the box.

“We are looking at strikers and seeing if there is anybody we can get hold of but the established ones we are talking to are talking telephone numbers, certainly out of our league.

“The one thing we can’t do is to cause the club more financial problems. We have got to work within the budget we have got.

“There are other avenues and we are looking at a couple of good young players who might be able to come along and do a job. They are a bit cheaper, perhaps loan players or scholars.

“We need that punch. The other thing we are looking at is the squad and at some stage we may have to say we go short in a couple of areas to try to get a striker in if we have got to pay a little bit more money.

“We are looking at every option we can to try to do something.”

Staines Town keeper Louis Wells insists the Swans have done their fans proud after their historic FA Cup run.

Their journey in the world's most famous domestic trophy came to an end in a 4-0 second-round replay defeat at Millwall on Tuesday night.

But the Swans have had some stunning results along the way, including victories at Hayes & Yeading and League Two Shrewsbury, as well as holding the Lions to a 1-1 draw at Wheatsheaf Park.

And the former Aldershot shot-stopper reckons they can hold their heads high.

He said: "There's no doubt the fans are proud of us and we're proud of them for all their support. They've been a part of it as much as we have.

"It's been the highlight of my career. I've been to the third round with Aldershot, but was on the bench, and hopefully I can go on to bigger and better things."

Forward or winger Ramon Calliste signed for Blue Square South club Bromley in time for Saturday's trip to St Albans City following an impressive display in the reserves 4-2 win at home to Chelmsford City.

A former Welsh under-21 international, Calliste has been at numerous clubs since leaving Manchester Untied back in 2005 where he started his career.

Calliste spent a year at Liverpool before joining Scunthorpe on a free where he unfortunately picked up a serious ankle injury and was released during pre-season.

His more recent club's include Cambridge City, Farnborough, Newport County, Staines Town and Braintree Town.

Shaun Gale, manager of Blue Square South club Havant & Waterlooville, has moved to fill the hole left by Mustafa Tiryaki’s four-match suspension by bringing in striker Elliott Charles on loan from Coca-Cola League Two side Barnet.

Only a few days away from his 19th birthday, Charles featured early on this season in Barnet’s first-team, and more recently with Blue Square Premier side Ebbsfleet United.

Last season he also appeared five times for the Hawks` league rivals Lewes.

Blue Square South club St Albans City have acted to squash any rumours surrounding the situation with two of their players` involvement with Blue Square Premier side Luton Town.

A statement from the club reads: “The club are aware of speculation surrounding the futures of Jonathan O'Donnell and Godfrey Poku (left), who both appeared on trial in a reserve team fixture for Luton Town last week.

“There has been regular contact with our neighbours over the past few weeks and St Albans City have been kept fully aware of their interest and intentions. However, at this time both players remain at Clarence Park.”

Ian Hutchinson, manager of Blue Square South strugglers Weymouth, secured two transfer boosts ahead of  their FA Trophy loss with neighbours Salisbury City on Saturday.

He agreed a deal with Blue Square Premier side Rushden & Diamonds to extend Jamie McGuinness’ loan for another month and has also been able to bring in Scot Bennett from Coca-Cola League One outfit Exeter City.

Hutchinson spoke with the Grecians’ first-team coach Andy Tillson, who was assistant-manager at Weymouth at the start of the season, about signing the 19-year-old defender-cum-midfielder and was able to agree a month-long deal.

“We’ve got Jamie for another month, which is a positive step and good news,” said Hutchinson. “We have also pushed through a deal to get Scot Bennett (left), an Exeter lad.

“We have high hopes for him. He’s a centre half come central midfielder – that’s an area we’ve been looking at - and he’ll be a great asset.”

FA Trophy Second Reound Draw

The draw has been made for the second round of the FA Trophy this afternoon.

The draw involves a number of Blue Square South sides.

1 AFC Wimbledon v Wrexham or Altrincham
2 Worcester City v Carshalton Athletic or Northwood
3 Stevenage Borough v Vauxhall Motors
4 Blyth Spartans v Guiseley or Redditch United
5 Cambridge United v Eastbourne Borough
6 Gateshead or Harrogate Town v Arlesey Town or Chippenham Town
7 Oxford United v Woking
8 Stalybridge Celtic v Corby Town
9 Kidderminster Harriers v Hampton & Richmond Borough or Lewes
10 Newport County v Hinckley United or York City
11 Workington v Rushden & Diamonds
12 Chelmsford City or Truro City v Crawley Town
13 Fleetwood Town v Dover Athletic
14 Southport or Gainsborough Trinity v Tamworth
15 Maidenhead United v Barrow
16 Salisbury City v Maidstone United or Histon

Bishop`s Stortford have signed winger Dean Mason from Blue Square South rivals Maidenhead United.

Mason  was released by AFC Wimbledon in May 2009 and impressed Magpies` boss Johnson Hippolyte in pre-season with his pace on the left wing and was offered terms.

Mason started his career at Southampton’s Academy and also has experience with Barnet and Welwyn Garden City.

Although he started the season at York Road, making a few appearances, he recently signed dual registration forms with Zamaretto League Premier Division Cambridge City.

Now Blue Square South club Basingstoke Town have been given just eight weeks to settle their debt with the taxman and avoid a winding-up order.

At a hearing held at London’s High Court on Wednesday, Mr Registrar Simmonds adjourned the winding-up petition brought against the club by Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (HMRC) for fifty-six days.

If the £12,000 debt is not paid by the end of this period, the Registrar would be likely to make a winding-up order – placing the club into the hands of an official receiver.

However, Town chairman Rafi Razzak last week stated that the board of directors were in a position to pay the debt off and this should be done well before the court-imposed deadline.

The problems stems from a £140,000 debt the club owed HMRC when Razzak took over as chairman two years ago.

The board came to a deal with the taxman, agreeing to pay the debt off at a rate of £5,000 a month, which the club has been doing ever since.

The debt is now down to £12,000 and would have been paid off by February – but HMRC demanded that the balance be paid immediately after Town were late making payments.

On-loan Jamie McGuinness hopes to get a deal sorted with Blue Square South club Weymouth before the weekend so he can extend his stay at the Wessex Stadium for at least another month.

The versatile 19-year-old has proved a big hit during his month-long stay with the Terras – last Saturday’s 3-2 loss at Braintree Town being the first he has suffered in claret and blue.

But with his deal set to end after the FA Trophy clash at home to Salisbury City this weekend, the Rushden & Diamonds teenager is keen to secure his short-term future with Ian Hutchinson’s charges.

“I’m loving playing regular football and Hutch has been a great manager to work under,” said McGuinness. “Hopefully I can extend the loan and get Weymouth out of the trouble they are in and push up the table.”

Hutchinson moved to bring in McGuinness as his second signing for Weymouth and the Terras’ manager is now in talks with Blue Square Premier side Diamonds in a bid to extend the loan of the Watford-based utility player for an important Christmas and New Year period.

“Hutch spoke to Michael Stone, the assistant-manager at Rushden, a couple of days ago and told them about my progress,” said McGuinness. “I’ve said I would like to extend my stay so hopefully things can be sorted out because I’m enjoying playing football. It’s for my benefit, Weymouth’s benefit and Rushden’s benefit, so everybody wins.

“I’d like to get something sorted before the weekend Jamie hopes for new deal knowing there are two big Dorchester games and that we have to get one back over Braintree as well.”

McGuinness made five substitute appearances for Diamonds last season but endured a miserable loan spell at Bedford Town.

However, a move to the south coast has rekindled his love of the game, helped by his team-mates and the Wessex Stadium faithful.

“I didn’t really enjoy playing at Bedford but as soon as I came to Weymouth I fitted in quite nicely,” he said. “All the lads are brilliant, the manager is brilliant, the assistant Andy Mason is brilliant and it’s been really enjoyable.

“As soon as I got into the dressing room I could sense there was a togetherness.

“We had a poor start at Braintree last Saturday but we stuck together and should have got a result in the end.

“Everyone wants to get Weymouth out of the trouble we are in and I believe we can do that.

“The support has been fantastic. For a club at the bottom you expect fans not to turn up but they keep turning up in their numbers, which helps us a lot.”

Mason is also keen to extend McGuinness’ stay. He said: “Jamie has been excellent from my point of view.

“His performances, and his attitude, have been great and I know Hutch is trying to get hold of Rushden in a bid to get him to stay for as long as he can.

“Hopefully something will be sorted soon.”

Caretaker-manager Ashley Vickers hopes to secure the signing of striker Jules Emati-Emati in time for Tuesday’s crunch Blue Square South match with fellow strugglers Lewes.

Emati-Emati, who scored three goals while on trial at the Magpies last summer, has notched eleven in his last six outings for Toolstation Western League Premier Division outfit Dawlish Town.

The forward though, has been training with the Magpies over the past fortnight and a seven-day approach was made by the county town club last Monday.

It is believed that terms have already been agreed with the Dawlish hitman and Vickers is keen to bolster his attacking options ahead of a crucial clash with Lewes at the Jewson Avenue Stadium.

He said: “We hope that Jules be with us for the Lewes game. We’re not sure if he’ll be playing for Dawlish on Saturday so we’ll have to see how that pans out.”

However, the Magpies look set to lose Phil Walsh to Dagenham & Redbridge in January for a nominal fee after he agreed to join the Coca-Cola League Two outfit.

Meanwhile, the capture of Wimborne Town defender Nathan Walker remains a possibility.

Vickers, who was expected to cast his eye over “two or three” triallists at training on Thursday night, added: “Hopefully we’ll also be able to bring in Nathan but that’s ongoing and we’re still talking to him.”

A third “new signing” could arrive in winger Nick Crittenden, who has been sidelined for six weeks following an operation on his injured ankle.

Vickers said: “He’s not striking the ball as he would like but he’s been doing all the fitness work at training. Hopefully we’ll have him back for the festive period and I’m sure it’ll be like a new signing.”

Club captain Kevin Hill (foot) though, is not expected back any time soon. The temporary manager added: “He’s carrying a weight-bearing injury and it can take time to get rid of. He’s doing a lot of physio work and he can’t wit to get back.”

Staines Town's FA Cup dreams were ended for another year after defeat at Millwall.

Goals from Steve Morison, Jack Smith, Alan Dunne and Danny Schofield broke Swans' hearts in this replay as the League One Lions set up a third round clash with Derby County.

Millwall dominated the early exchanges, but failed to test Swans keeper Louis Wells.

And it was Staines who came closest to breaking the deadlock when Ali Chaaban's left-footed strike was turned round the post by David Forde.

However, the hosts deservedly took the lead just before the break when Morison outpaced Marien Ifura, then slotted the ball into the bottom corner.

It was almost game over seconds later when Lewis Grabban broke free on the left, but Wells was equal to his effort, and Millwall failed to force home the rebound.

The Lions did double their lead early into the second half when Howard Newton was caught in possession on the edge of his own box by Morison, and he teed-up Smith to drill past Wells.

Things almost got worse for the Swans when substitute Ashley Grimes was clean through, only for Wells to tip his effort wide, while Morison flashed an effort across goal.

Simon Jackson almost gave the 466 travelling fans something to cheer when his deep cross bounced off the top of the crossbar.

Swans boss Steve Cordery threw on Andre Scarlett and Scott Taylor, against his former club, as the visitors tried desperately to get back in the game.

However, Millwall added a third when Dunne headed a corner past Wells from six yards.

Chaaban almost scored a consolation the visitiors' battling display deserved when the ball dropped to him in the area minutes later, but Forde smothered his effort.