COUNTY hangouts are making final preparations to ferry coachloads of hardcore fans to tomorrow's football showdown at Wembley Stadium.

The Riverside Tavern and Dodger pub near Rodney Parade are gearing up to gather hundreds of fans for the 135-mile trip to Wembley to watch the Conference promotion final against Wrexham.

Billed as one of the biggest games in the club's history, the clash could see the Exiles return to the Football League for the first time in 25 years and give Newport a major boost through TV exposure.

Riverside Tavern landlord Mike "Cully" Jones, 44, said: "My first game was to stay in the League in May 1977.

"There have been many highs and lows supporting Newport County. I'm so nervous - it's untrue. This is going to be the biggest game in our history."

Three coaches filled will around 150 fans will leave the Dodger in Chepstow Road at 8am while more supporters will pack the pub in the lead-up to the 3pm kick-off.

Another coach will leave the Riverside Tavern in Clarence Place at around 9am before joining with other buses at pick-up points Malpas, Newport County Academy, Pontypool and Cwmbran.

The party, set to comprise around 300 supporters, will then make its way to English football's headquarters for the all Welsh showdown.

Dodger landlord Paul Chapman, 48, said: "Last Sunday, for the second leg, it was one big party.

"Players came back to the pub after the game and also some staff from the club. People didn't want it to end.

"I think it will be close but County will pinch it and win the game."