Saints are off on a European Tour this week and cross the Severn for a visit to Wales and League Two side Newport County, find out all the details that you need here for what is our first competitive visit to Newport in over 50 years.

This is technically Saints first game against Newport County, the current Newport County AFC were the reformed version after Newport County FC had gone bust in February 1989 and the AFC version were in place for the 1989/90 season.

The reformed club were initially unable to play at their home ground at Somerton Park, so picked up the nickname of the "Exiles" , playing home games in England, they spent two seasons back at Somerton Park before forced back over the border.

They returned to Newport to play at Newport Stadium before finally finding a permanent home in May 2012, with a move to the city's rugby stadium, Rodney Parade

They immediately won the Hellenic League in their first season in 1989—90 and were promoted out of the Southern League Midland Division in 1994—95. While playing at Newport Stadium, they were relegated from the Premier Division in 1997, before winning promotion out of the Midland Division again in 1998—99. Placed in the Conference South in 2004, they went on to be crowned champions in 2009—10 and after moving to Rodney Parade in 2012, they returned to the Football League following a 25-year absence after winning the Conference National play-off final in 2013 under manager Justin Edinburgh.

The Ground

Away fans are mostly housed on one side of the Bisley Stand, where around 580 fans can be accommodated. This stand is all seated and covered and being a relatively new stand the facilities inside are good. The stand is shared with home supporters who are separated by a portion of green netting, draped over the seats. In addition, a small temporary block of open seating is also made available at the South End. This has a capacity of just over 400. As to be expected the seating in the Bisley Stand gives the better and more comfortable view of the game, but both areas share the same facilities.

There is a food outlet just inside the ground by the turnstiles serving amongst other things; Bacon Cheeseburgers (£4.50), 1/4lb Cheeseburger (£4), 1/4 Beefburger, Rollover Hot Dogs (£3.50), Bacon Rolls (£3.50), a selection of Deep Fill Pies (£2.80), 'Monster' Pasties (£3.50) and Chips (£2.50).Away Supporters Entrance

The entrance Gate 6, to the away supporters section is at the opposite end of the stadium to the home areas and is accessed along Corporation Road (so no need to go through the main stadium entrance). It is poorly signposted and is literally a small pathway situated in-between some residential houses. There are a couple of blue poles that mark the entrance, but that is about it.

PUBS ETC

There is a Clubhouse at the ground (inside the home main entrance) which admits away supporters. Generally, the area around the ground is not particularly great, with the nearest pub, the Victoria Hotel on Corporation Road looking particularly uninviting. A little further along Corporation Road is the Excelsior Club which does allow in away fans, shows televised sports and is family friendly (see below).

There is a Wetherspoon pub on Chepstow Road called the Godfrey Morgan. This spacious pub is only a 10 minute walk from the away turnstiles and for some unknown reason on my visit seemed to have few home fans in attendance. The pub has the added benefit that along Chepstow Road there are a number of food outlets including a couple of fish and chip shops and a Greggs Bakery.

Otherwise, the city centre is a 10-15 minute walk away where there are plenty of pubs to be found including three more Wetherspoons outlets. Two of these the John Wallace Linton in Cambrian Road and the Queen's Hotel in Bridge Street are located quite close to the railway station.

GETTING THERE

By Car
Leave the M4 at Junction 24 (or from the A449 from Monmouth/Midlands) and take the B4237, signposted Newport (E). After approximately 2.5 five miles turn left at a set of traffic lights, signposted B4237 (there is also the George pub on a right hand corner). Go under a bridge and at the next set of traffic lights turn right into Corporation Road. After passing an ATS garage on your right, you will see the away supporters entrance on your left. For the stadium main entrance take the next left into Grafton Road.

Parking
There is no parking available at the ground for supporters and there is a 'residents only' parking scheme in operation in the street around the stadium. However it is a bit of an odd scheme as most nearby roads seemed to have parking restrictions on one side of the road only. Street parking is possible but please pay attention to any parking restriction signs. Alternatively you can use one of the city centre car parks which are around a 15 minute walk away.

Post Code for SAT NAV: NP19 0UU

By Train
Newport Railway Station is situated around a quarter of a mile away from the stadium and is a relatively short walk. The station is served by trains from London Paddington, Bristol Temple Meads & Birmingham New Street. As you come out of the main station entrance turn left along the main (Queensway) road. Follow this road until you reach a large roundabout. Take the pedestrian underpass down underneath the roundabout and at the centre turn left towards Clarence Place/River Usk. After you have come back up to street level you should see a bridge in front of you going across the river. Cross the bridge and then take the first right hand turn into Rodney Parade and the stadium is down this road on the left.

COACH TRAVEL AVAILABLE WITH SOUTHAMPTON AWAY TRAVEL

https://southamptonawaytravel.co.uk/

Please feel free to provide any other tips, travel updates etc or relevant details in the comments section below

Photo: Action Images

SalisburySaint added 05:51 - Aug 24 A couple of additions to the above The ground is three quarters of a mile from the station and town centre about 15 minute walk The away end can be also accessed by Via footbridge over river, then Rodney road and footpath that runs behind the away end goal
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FrankSaint added 09:30 - Aug 24 The quip about Europe has legs. Back in the day, didnt Newport have a star center forward and done success in the Uefa Cup by virus of their Welsh status...? Can anyone else remember more detail?
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redwight added 11:36 - Aug 24 John Aldridge?
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FrankSaint added 14:49 - Aug 24 Redwight, John Aldridge did indeed figure but the player I had in mind turns out to be the wonderfully names Tommy Tynan. https://www.theguardian.com/football/that-1980s-sports-blog/2014/feb/20/newport-
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