CHELMSFORD City expect to be boosted for the Bank Holiday weekend double header games with the return from injury of two of their more experienced defenders.

Ben Martin and Danny Bruce are in the frame with manager Glenn Pennyfather looking to his side to rebound in style from their horror show at Newport County last Saturday.

But definitely out for two weeks is striker Danny Hockton with an ankle injury, picked up early in the Newport game, while Ollie Berquez's return has had a further setback with a scan this week revealing he needs to spend another three weeks in plaster.

Young Anthony Cook (hamstring) may be fit for Saturday's home game against Bromley but there's still a major doubt over Ricky Holmes (back injury) who was forced to miss the Newport fiasco.

"I'm confident that both Ben and Danny will be fit to return on Saturday which will be a great bonus for the team as they are really experienced and quality players but we'll have to wait and see on both Anthony and Ricky and how they go in today's (Thursday) training session," said Pennyfather.

"I really want to try and get a settled team but with all the injuries that's obviously proving difficult at the moment.

"The injury to Danny Hockton is a big blow because he's been looking really good, had an excellent first 15 minutes at Newport until he went over on his ankle and is now out at least two weeks.

"We knew that we have already lost defender Simon Glover who had his operation this week and is likely to be out for up to two months."

Despite these injury setbacks Pennyfather is confident his side will pick up six points over the holiday weekend against Bromley and then away to Braintree Town on Bank Holiday Monday.

"I just won't accept a repeat of the second half performance at Newport where we lacked passion and commitment," Pennyfather explained. "Emotions do get the better of you in such circumstances but I still stand by my apology (see story on page 83) to supporters who made the long journey to Wales.

"I was bitterly disappointed with that second half performance and the players were told afterwards and again in training on Monday that they had let everybody down.

"I always said any team of mine would not lack desire but they did in that second period on Saturday.

"Hopefully on reflection it was a kick up the backside for the players and I'm pleased with the way they have responded in training this week.

"The first half at Newport wasn't bad just that two silly individual errors cost us goals."

City, now 12th in the league, will need to get back on the winning trail which Pennyfather is confident they can do this weekend despite his injury crisis.

"I must say the spirit amongst the players in the dressing room is good despite the Newport setback," he claimed. "We now can't wait to get playing a match again after the Newport performance and the players put matters right and I'm looking forward to both games at the weekend.

"The Braintree game will be tough as all local derby games are but I think none of our players will need motivating, particularly after the last poor away performance."

City striker Jason Hallett's club contract is up at the weekend and Pennyfather said he would be making a decision on whether he would be offered another after talking to the player.