THE decision on whether Newport County AFC get another money-spinning FA Cup tie in front of the cameras will impact whether the Dragons shift a derby to avoid a fixture clash – or the Exiles play on a freshly-used Rodney Parade pitch.
The Exiles’ reward for making round three of the famous competition is a tie against Premier League Brighton on the weekend of January 8.
That has led to their League Two encounter away to Cheltenham being postponed but also means there is a potential clash in the Rodney Parade diary.
The Dragons are scheduled to entertain the Ospreys on Saturday, January 9 (kick-off 5.15pm) the last of their three festive derbies against Welsh rivals.
However, that date hinges on what slot County’s FA Cup fixture is given, with broadcasters BBC and BT Sport still deciding their picks.
Michael Flynn’s side could welcome the Seagulls on the Friday ahead of the rugby fixture or on the Sunday, meaning a swift turnaround for the ground staff after the Dragons and Scarlets have tussled for 80 minutes.
There is also the slim possibility of the broadcasters going for a Saturday fixture – which would mean the rugby would move as County have primacy of tenure under Football League regulations.
The Argus understands this is unlikely and that the Dragons won’t have a repeat of 2017 when they hosted Cardiff Blues in Caerphilly while County were enjoying their great escape from relegation against Notts County.
Sadly, it’s highly doubtful that any supporters will be in Rodney Parade for the fixtures regardless of the order of play.
Games in Wales set to continue behind closed doors for the considerable future despite pressure being put on the Welsh Government by professional clubs.
That makes the prospect of a televised game all the more welcome for the Exiles, who have already received a six-figure sum after their Carabao Cup encounter with Newcastle was shown live by Sky Sports.
County have four home games before the visit of Brighton while the Dragons entertain Wasps this weekend and Cardiff Blues on Boxing Day.
The side from the capital have been using the ground while the Arms Park’s artificial surface is repaired after it was used as a coronavirus field hospital they plan to be back home in the New Year.
The Blues are currently pencilled in for a home clash against the Scarlets on Saturday, January 9 (kick-off 3pm) but that will not be possible at Rodney Parade.
The pitch is starting to show signs of wear and tear despite Newport RFC being inactive because of the Covid pandemic.
That raises the prospects of the Seagulls, and former Exiles loan star Ben White, having to cope with the bumps and bobbles in NP 19.
"Brighton is a good draw - they are a good footballing side," said County midfielder Robbie Willmott.
"They play football in the right way, although hopefully they can't play it on our pitch!"
County have earned a reputation for cup upsets by beating Leeds, Leicester and Middlesbrough, they drew with Tottenham and went into half-time goalless with Manchester City before being beaten 4-1 by Pep Guardiola's superstars.
Flynn's side beat Swansea and Watford of the Championship before being knocked out on penalties by the Magpies in this year's Carabao Cup.
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