A Southampton Rough Guide To Newport County Monday, 23rd Aug 2021 22:18 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 Parking Post Code for SAT NAV: NP19 0UU By Train 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 Please report offensive, libellous or inappropriate posts by using the links provided.
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