NEWPORT County AFC will no longer have a “horrible” atmosphere to deal with when they travel to Crawley on Boxing Day.

The Exiles take on the Reds in League Two on Saturday and their hosts had been selling tickets for the clash at Broadfield Stadium.

However, West Sussex has been moved into tier four from tier two and the turnstiles will now be closed for the visit of Michael Flynn’s league leaders.

Crawley boss John Yems had hoped the fans would give the 11th-placed side a boost against a County team that lost at Leyton Orient when supporters were allowed at Brisbane Road.

“It’s an advantage when we’re winning,” he said. “Let’s hope the fans keep getting behind us, and let’s make it horrible for teams to come and play here, that’s what we want to do.”

Crawley head into the clash on the back of an excellent 2-1 win at Orient.

County didn't travel to Crawley last season because of the suspension then cancellation of the campaign. They suffered a 4-1 drubbing in Sussex in October, 2018.