A TRIBUTE testimonial match for Newport County's most successful manager is being held tonight.

The Len Ashurst testimonial is taking place between Cardiff City and Birmingham at Ninian Park this evening with half the proceeds going to the Noah's Ark Appeal.

Len, who still lives in Gwent, managed the Newport County side of the early 80s when the likes of John Aldridge and Tommy Tynan saw the club win the Welsh Cup, gain promotion from Division 4 and reach the quarter finals of the European Cup Winners' Cup.

A spokeswoman for Noah's Ark said: "Len Ashurst is highly respected and has served the game well both as a manager and coach and, more recently, as an administrator. This year he will celebrate a lifetime in the professional game."

In addition to managing County, Ashurst has also had spells in charge of Cardiff City, Sheffield Wednesday and Sunderland.

On July 30 he will celebrate 50 years in the professional game.

The match kicks off at 7.45pm. Further information is available at the Noah's Ark website on www.noahs-ark-appeal.org