Newport County's substitutes are going to be sheltered from the storms of the Nationwide South League thanks to the support of Rowecord Engineering.

The firm, which is also a sponsor of the club, has provided a couple of 11-seater dugouts to comply with the league's specifications.

The company/club relationship has its roots in the schooldays' friendship of Newport County chairman Chris Blight and Rowecord Engineering managing director John Blackwell.

Mr Blight said: "John was head boy when I was in school. "I telephoned to tell him about the fact that we needed new dugouts to comply with league specifications and within weeks, we had these two magnificent steel and perspex shelters."

The dugouts were designed by graduate engineer Chris Williams from Pentyrch and built by apprentices Glyn Hefferman from Abergavenny and Ashley McKay from Risca.

Mr Blackwell said: "As a Newport business and a long-time sponsor of Newport County, we've always followed the fortunes of our local club.

"We're delighted to make this contribution to the club's future success." Newport County director Wallace Brown said: "Along with five subs, the dugout is supposed to have room for the manager, coach, physiotherapist and backroom staff.

"The old dugouts meant that half of them had to sit outside, which isn't ideal preparation for the players if the weather is bad."

Mr Blight said the club had "got off to a great start this season with a 100% unbeaten home record".

"Our new dugouts mean we also have the best facilities on offer, both for Newport County players and our visiting opponents and staff," he added.