NEWPORT County AFC finally return to Rodney Parade this Saturday aiming to recreate the atmosphere that inspired the team to complete their ‘Great Escape’ from relegation in May.

Since that memorable last-gasp victory over Notts County, which secured the club’s place in the English Football League, the Exiles have lived up to their nickname.

Michael Flynn’s team have played 11 successive games away from home – seven pre-season friendlies and four competitive matches.

And they have a 12th tonight as they take on Championship club Leeds United at Elland Road in the Carabao Cup second round.

But it’s back to League Two action on Saturday and back to the green, green grass of home as Chesterfield are the first visitors to the new-look Rodney Parade.

A £750,000 investment from the Welsh Rugby Union, who took control of the stadium County share with Newport RFC and the Dragons this summer, has seen the drainage and irrigation systems overhauled and a brand new hybrid pitch installed.

We are working with County this week to help the club attract 5,000 fans to the first home game of the season and chief executive Alex Tunbridge believes that target is achievable.

“Including pre-season we’ve had 12 games away from home since the ‘Great Escape’ game against Notts County,” said Mr Tunbridge.

“That’s a lot of miles and a lot of travelling and the support on the road this season has been phenomenal.

“But now we are finally returning to Rodney Parade we want the people of the city to come out and support us like they did at the end of last season. We want to keep that momentum going now on and off the pitch.”

A total of 908 Exiles fans cheered their side on to victory at Coventry City at the weekend and record season ticket sales show the club is definitely on the up.

“We’ve gone from 720 season tickets last season to 1,070 this year and that gives us a great platform to build from,” added Mr Tunbridge.

“The success we had in the latter part of last season allowed the club to elevate its profile in the city.

“Throughout the summer we’ve undertaken extensive development on and off the pitch in order to compete and become a sustainable Football League club.

“The season ticket sales and the support we’ve had on the road has been fantastic and now we are all looking forward to welcoming everyone back to Rodney Parade.”

The ticket office will be open from 10am to 7pm on Thursday and Friday.

l To be in with a chance of winning one of five pairs of tickets up for grabs for Newport's clash with Chesterfield just answer the following question: Who scored the winning goal for Newport County AFC in the last game of last season?

Send your answer, name, address and contact details on a postcard to Newport County AFC Competition, Samantha Newman, South Wales Argus, Cardiff Road, Newport, NP20 3QN or you can enter by text.

Start your message with NEWPORT, leave a space and then send your answer, name and address to 80360.

Messages cost 50p plus your normal operator text charge.

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Competition closes at noon on Thursday, August 24, 2017.