SALISBURY City boss Nick Holmes will be hoping his side suffer no hangovers from the festive season as he prepares to start the New Year with three crucial games in five days.

Kicking off today (Thurs-day) with the visit of New-port IoW, Whites then head to Kent on Saturday to take on Folkestone Invicta before Monday evening's trip north of the county to Swindon Town for their Wiltshire Premier Shield Semi-final, second leg tie.

Today's game was in danger of being called off due to The Islanders' dire financial problems which currently threaten the club's existence.

However, Salisbury directors agreed to fund a substantial part of their old rivals' travel costs to and from the Ray-mond McEnhill Stadium to ensure the game goes ahead.

The kind-hearted gesture has delighted the Save Newport Action Group who are helping keep the club afloat until a buyer can be found for the cash-strapped outfit.

Just 48 hours later, City are again in league action away at Folkestone.

Whites are the current Wilt-shire Premier Shield holders and it represents their only remaining involvement in a knockout competition.

Monday night's tie at the County Ground (7.30pm) is finely balanced following the goalless first leg encounter at Old Sarum in November.