NEWPORT County AFC captain David Pipe and former skipper Scot Bennett are both fitness doubts for Saturday’s home clash with Accrington Stanley.

The defensive duo were both forced off with injuries during Monday’s 6-1 defeat at promoted Plymouth Argyle.

Both could miss the Stanley game at Rodney Parade but caretaker boss Michael Flynn is hopeful that he will have good news on the pair before Saturday.

Midfielder Joss Labadie, another player to have worn the captain’s armband this season, is back from suspension.

And fellow defender Mark O’Brien should also return after illness and concussion.

“Pipey had a bit of an injury, which we’ll be assessing,” said Flynn.

“He’s got a hip flexor problem, which he’s been carrying a little bit, and I’m sure that will settle down by Saturday.

“But it’s an unfortunate one because he’s an experienced lad and he’s the captain and you want to keep those sort of players out there on the big occasions.

“Benno had to come off with an injury as well so it wasn’t a good day all round.

“He’s got a sore hamstring but it’s too early to tell how bad it is.

“We’ll have to see what the physio says in the next few days.

“Hopefully it settles down and he’ll be ready for Saturday.”

Irish centre-back O’Brien came off at half-time in the 1-0 win over Yeovil Town on Good Friday and made the trip to Plymouth on Monday but was never in contention to play at Home Park.

“Mark had signs of concussion so that automatically ruled him out for the week,” explained Flynn.

“But he will be back for Saturday, which is good news because he’s been outstanding since he’s been here.

“It’s a big positive for us that he’s back and obviously Labadie is back as well after his suspension.

“So that’s two characters back and we’ll keep our fingers crossed on the other two.”

Flynn could also choose to hand Aaron Williams a start up front after the striker came off the bench at Plymouth to score a consolation goal in stoppage time.

“I thought he took his goal very well and we created quite a few chances,” said the Exiles boss.

“Alex [Samuel] missed two one-on-ones, Aaron missed one and Tom [Owen-Evans] could have had a tap-in as well.

“The effort was there, it was just the manner in which we conceded and the amount we conceded.”

Flynn felt his side should have tried to limit the damage rather than chase the game in the second half at Home Park.

“It was always an uphill task at 2-0 but we’ve still got to be a bit more savvy,” he said.

“It gets to a point where you have to stop chasing the game and try not to concede any more.

“We tried getting that message on but unfortunately Plymouth were on top form and it was too much for us.”