THOUSANDS of Newport County fans will head for Wembley next weekend with hope in their hearts after roaring their team to victory in the Blue Square Bet Premier League play-off semifinal at Rodney Parade.

Had the ground been equipped with anything as old fashioned as rafters, it would have been necessary to raise them.

This was a day when the players did themselves proud on the pitch, and the fans matched them off it for 90, sometimes deafening, minutes. Young and old, stalwart and occasional fans came together to swell the Amber Army’s ranks to more than 6,000, as Grimsby Town and their few hundred travelling supporters were overcome. County’s job is of course, only half done, and another gargantuan effort will be needed against Wrexham at Wembley next Sunday.

But this was an occasion when a city down on its luck showed that despite the hard times it is enduring, in sporting terms at least, it has plenty of fire in its belly.

“Brilliant, just a great day, and I can’t wait for next Sunday,” said Steve Parker, Newport born and bred, and just ten years old when the old Newport County ceased to exist.

“This shows the potential of this city in football terms, and it’s priceless exposure for the city on a wider scale.”

Lee Harris, from Cwmbran, took his son Tom, ten, to the match and told the Argus afterwards that he was heading to the club shop today, to stock up on shirts and other County gear.

“We didn’t go last year (to the FA Trophy final) because I was working, but we’ll be there next Sunday,” said Mr Harris. “Tom’s already like a bottle of pop. I’m sure they can beat Wrexham and that would be great for Newport.”

A high-spirited pitch invasion at the end did nothing to quell the good-natured, celebratory atmosphere, and the players showed their appreciation after a few moments in the dressing room by coming out for a lap of honour.

This was not quite an occasion to make grown men cry, but another win next Sunday should trigger large-scale sobbing in north London.

Bring it on.