THE DATES for Newport County AFC’s EFL Trophy group stage fixtures have been confirmed.
The Exiles have been drawn alongside Forest Green Rovers and Exeter City – last season’s champions and runners up in League Two – and Southampton B.
County begin their cup campaign away at Exeter’s St James’ Park on Tuesday, August 30 with a 7pm kick-off.
This will be sandwiched between a trip to Harrogate Town and a home game against newly-promoted Grimsby Town.
James Rowberry’s side will then welcome Forest Green to Rodney Parade on Tuesday, September 20 (7.45pm) and then Southampton on Tuesday, October 18 (7.45pm).
Forest Green will be the second of three consecutive home games for Rowberry’s side, with Barrow and Carlisle also visiting Rodney Parade that week.
And Southampton’s youngsters will visit County between a trip to Crawley Town and hosting Colchester United.
Last season’s Papa Johns Trophy campaign saw County exit at the group stage, having beaten Plymouth and losing to Arsenal Under-21s and Swindon Town.
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