THE atmosphere was electric in Newport today as fans new and old watched the first ever competitive clash between County and Manchester United.
Venues were heaving ahead of the game with none more packed to the rafters than fan-run Bar Amber on High Street.
Two goals in the first 13 minutes threatened to make it a miserable 90 for the home crowd but joyous strikes from Bryn Morris and Will Evans got them dreaming again - and even believing.
In the end, United won 4-2, but the amber army can hold their heads high.
Here are some of the best pictures from a day that Newport will never forget.
Evans equalsNewport County's Will Evans (left) celebrates scoring their side's second goal of the game with team-mates during the Emirates FA Cup fourth round match at Rodney Parade, Newport. (Image: PA News)
The moment the magic happened. Will Evans (left) celebrates scoring County's second with team-mates shortly after half-time. Picture: PA News
Nosy neighbours
These fans have to be admired for their ingenuity for watching the game from scaffolding in their garden next to the ground.
Fans watch the match from a scaffold outside the ground during the Emirates FA Cup fourth round match at Rodney Parade, Newport. Picture date: Sunday January 28, 2024. Picture PA News (Image: PA)
Picture: PA News.
'At the end of the day, it's all on the day'
Left to right- Carl O'Lander, Jon Pye and Amanda Pye (Image: NQ staff)
L-R: Carl O'Lander, Jon Pye, Amanda Pye.
Carl O'Lander was optimistic ahead of the game, pointing to County's habit of giant killing in the cup.
"We've done it with Tottenham, we've done it with Leicester, we've done it with Middlesbrough," he said.
"At the end of the day, it's all on the day. We'll be right on top of the players and you know what the atmosphere is like at Rodney Parade. There's nowhere else like it."
Heart says one thing, head says another
L to r Martin Pugh, Jack Pugh, Steve Huws (Image: NQ staff)L-R: Martin Pugh, Jack Pugh, Steve Huws
We spoke to this smiley trio on High Street before the game. Martin Pugh said: "I'm a lifelong man United supporter from Pontypool. My grandson is a County season ticket holder and his dad supports both.
"I'm hoping for a draw in all honesty so County can go to Old Trafford. My heart says a draw, my head says United, 2-1."
Amber bonanza
Bar Amber in good spirits. Drums, chants, and a number of people admiring from the street. (Image: NQ staff)Bar Amber was in great spirits before the game - and, to be fair, even after. There were drums, chants, and a number of admiring on-lookers from the street.
Carpenters
Fans outside the Carpenters pub this afternoon (Image: NQ staff)
United... in Gwent
Dean and James who are United supporters but live in Gwent (Image: NQ staff)We asked Dean and James, United supporters, whether it was their first time in Newport. Then they said they live in Gwent.
James said: "I will say, it's great for the city, everyone's in a good mood and it's busy. There's a lot of police though!
"United need to win because it's the only trophy they're going for. A draw would be great though."
'Magic of the FA Cup'
On right- Jamie and Taylan (Image: NQ staff)We stopped Taylan and Jamie (on the right) just before they crossed the bridge to watch the biggest game of their lives - but they didn't mind.
Jamie said: "We're absolutely buzzing, excited. I think we'll probably lose but you never know. It's the magic of the FA Cup!
"A draw would be amazing."
The County-loving Kelvin-Smith family predicted a 3-1 home win
The Kelvin-Smith family say 3-1 to the County! (Image: NQ staff)
County fans make their way over Newport Bridge ready for kick off (Image: NQ staff)
County fans make their way over Newport Bridge ready for kick off (Image: NQ staff)
Inside the fan zone at Rodney Parade (Image: NQ staff)
'We just love football'
Left David Ryan, from Nashville. Right Bill Mcinerny, from Atlanta (Image: NQ staff)David Ryan (left) and Bill McInerny
These gentlemen have committed to watching a game of football on each day of their holiday - no - vacation to the UK.
Bill McInerny from Atlanta, Georgia, said: "I hate Manchester United! I'm a Liverpool supporter. We just love football."
They picked out Newport County v Manchester United as the most interesting game of the day.
That sign
Newport fans ‘Rashford can we have your weeks wages’ pic.twitter.com/5cMojmoJXC
— Football Hub (@FootbalIhub) January 28, 2024
And another
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