Sutton United manager Ian Hazel has had enough of his players' stuttering form after their latest defeat, 3-1 at Newport County last weekend.

Hazel brought in former Kingstonian midfielder Bashiru Alimi, 24, before the trip to Wales and hopes to make two further signings before Saturday's match at Bognor Regis Town.

"Performance levels have dropped in recent weeks after an encouraging start," admitted the Sutton boss.

"We didn't get the results we deserved at the start of the season and I think that has taken its toll on the players' confidence."

Sutton's performance against County forced Hazel's hand.

The Welsh side broke United hearts with a three-goal salvo in a manic seven-minute spell at the end of the first half.

Despite the visitors having the benefit of a blustery wind, Newport opened the scoring after 35 minutes.

Alimi scored on his debut two minutes later to level the scores but United's first away goal since John Scarborough's winner at Braintree on the first day of the season counted for little as County put the match out of sight with two more before the interval.

Sutton's cause in the second half was not helped by a heavy shower to accompany the gale, although Michael Johnson and Ross Gaynor both had late chances to reduce the deficit, only to shoot weakly at County keeper Mark Ovendale from promising positions "We seemed to lack belief," Hazel said.

"Heads dropped after the second and third goals went in and the game just fizzled out in the second half."

The Sutton boss has targeted his midfield as the problem area, bringing in Alimi to add more firepower and strength to the team's engine room.

He plans to add at least one more player to this area, but has also identified Tooting & Mitcham leftback Craig Tanner as possible signing.

"At this stage, it is difficult to be specific because the deals are yet to be sealed," said Hazel.

"What I can say is we are running on a budget so, if I do manage to bring in three players, then I will also have to release a few.

"It is difficult because some of my players are going to be upset, but it has got to the stage where we have to act.

"We brought in Bash because he is a strong player - he has that self-belief we need.

"He also has a good range of passing, a good left foot and scores goals."

Unfortunately for Hazel, his new man limped off late in the Newport match with an ankle injury and is doubtful for Saturday's trip to Bognor.

Phil Wilson (broken ribs) is also expected to miss the match, while Eddie Akuamoah (knee) and Charlie Ide (hamstring) face fitness tests.

Lewis Gonsalves will return after serving a one match suspension.

Sutton: Naughton, Palmer, Reeves, Scarborough, Lampton, Akuamoah (sub Johnson 23), Gray, Honey (sub Harris 66), Ide (sub Henry 78), Gaynor, Alimi.

Attendance: 821.