IT is not often a football club reaps the benefits of ground sharing with a rugby team but that is definitely the case for tomorrow’s battle of the Countys at Edgeley Park.

While the cold snap is expected to once again decimate the Conference fixture list this weekend the fact that Stockport share a ground with Sale Sharks should give Newport the chance to claw back one of their games in hand.

Sale’s clash with the Scarlets last weekend survived the weather because of hot air covers protecting the surface. And with the Sharks in action tonight against Worcester in the Aviva Premiership, a game set for the Sky cameras; once again there has been a week of protection against the elements at Edgeley Park.

It is understood that Stockport are optimistic that the game will go ahead with the covers set to go back on after the rugby action ends allowing both sides a chance to enhance their survival prospects.

Newport boss Justin Edinburgh is certainly hoping that is the case.

“That is great news about the covers and fingers crossed it works because we definitely want to get the game played,” he said.

“We are in good form, the boys are buzzing, I have almost a fully fit squad to choose from and we have too many games in hand.

“It would be great if we could get the game on and we will travel up there full of confidence.”

Edinburgh has only Ismail Yakubu (knee) out injured after everyone came through Tuesday’s thumping FA Trophy win over Carshalton Athletic in good health.

However, even the news on Yakubu is encouraging.

“Thankfully that injury doesn’t look like it is going to be as bad as we first feared,” said the Exiles boss.

“He is healing up quite nicely and after the weekend we should have a better idea of a timescale to bring him back.”

The Exiles are waiting for the full assessment on Yakubu before committing to making a loan signing, though the Argus understands that that option remains open for Edinburgh.

The boss however, is most excited by the serious question marks against his team selection.

“I haven’t got a clue at this stage what the team will be for Saturday, there is competition for places virtually in every position and I think I am due for a sleepless night on Friday,” he added.

“But I wouldn’t want it any other way. It’s what I’ve wanted for months.

“We have options galore and our bench will be the strongest it has been this season tomorrow without a shadow of a doubt.”

Meanwhile Bath City, who will travel to Spytty Park on Tuesday for the re-arranged Blue Square Conference clash with County, have snapped up released Exiles midfielder Tommy Doherty.

Doherty was signed by Anthony Hudson last summer but was released in January.

Speaking of why he wanted to join Bath, Doherty said: “I’ve seen the team play quite a lot over the last few years. I’ve come to watch my friends Joe Burnell and Scott Murray before, and I’m good friends with Matt Coupe and Iain Harvey. I’ve not with a team at the moment and I just want to play football.

“I just want to get involved and help pull the team out of the relegation zone.”

Manager Adie Britton revealed he had been hoping to sign Doherty for some time.

“Everyone in the area will know about Tom,” he said.

“His status is legendary. He’s been a fantastic player over the years.

“I spoke to him over the summer about joining City, but he chose to go to Newport.”

Doherty will not play at Spytty Park on Tuesday due to an agreement with Edinburgh.