NEWPORT County AFC are expecting a sell-out crowd at Rodney Parade for the first time for tomorrow night’s top-of-the-table clash with Hereford United.

The Exiles remain top of the Blue Square Bet Premier after maintaining their 100 per cent record with a hard-fought 2-1 win at Braintree on Saturday.

Goals from Max Porter and Ismail Yakubu saw Justin Edinburgh’s men come from behind to seal the win, and Hereford’s 4-2 victory over Ebbsfleet United moved them up to second before this afternoon’s matches.

The sides have not met since County triumphed 1-0 in the Herefordshire Senior Cup final in July 1999 and there is huge interest in the clash between the historic rivals, which has been designated as an all-ticket match.

The current safety certificate allows for a crowd of 5,511 and County chiefs are predicting a sell-out.

All of the Bulls allocation of 580 tickets has already been snapped up and home fans are being urged to buy their tickets today or risk missing out.

The ticket office at Rodney Parade will be open from 9am until 1pm today.

A crowd of 5,511 would be the biggest ever for the new incarnation of the club and would bring in around £80,000 in gate receipts alone, as well as bumper takings at the bars, which would benefit Rodney Parade Ltd as well as County.

Police costs will be higher than normal but new chairman Les Scadding is delighted with the level of support.

“The way things are going is great, the club is getting gates we never expected,” he said. “Tuesday night should be a complete sell-out and it will be a fantastic occasion.”

Boss Edinburgh added: “We’ve got a fantastic following and we’re all looking forward to a great game in front of a bumper crowd. Hopefully we can continue this run we’re on.”