HUNDREDS of ticketless Newport County fans could be left out in the cold when Swansea City arrive for their FAW Premier Cup quarter-final clash on Tuesday night.

Lengthy delays in construction of the new roof over the pay-on-the-gate terraced area, opposite Newport Stadium's grandstand, almost certainly means it will be closed for County's big night.

However, the Dr Martens Premier League club's directors are desperate to see the 1,800-capacity standing area open and last night made a last-ditch plea to the contractors, Cardiff-based Cowlin Construction, to make one big push to get the project completed.

The Argus contacted Cowlin yesterday but no one was available for comment.

The new roof project began in early November and was due to last six weeks, but the contractors hit early snags with accessibility and supplier problems.

Now County's directors are becoming increasingly frustrated by the delays.

Firstly, the contractors promised the terrace, which originally opened without a roof during pre-season, would be open for the Exiles' Boxing Day fixture with Worcester City.

After that deadline had passed, the builders assured County chairman Wallace Brown (pictured) it would be open for Tuesday's televised game with Third Division basement-boys, Swansea.

But the roof and back panels are still not in place four days before the clash. The contractors could not guarantee health and safety inspectors that back components would be installed before Tuesday, therefore the area would be unsafe for supporters. All the components for the new roof are now on site and County directors believe a big labour effort by Cowlin at the 11th hour might see the terrace open in time - cover and all.

"We are pleading for Cowlin to get all hands on deck to get the roof completed by Tuesday," said Steve Sulley, a member of County's strategic management team that effectively runs the business side of the club.

"We could call the health and safety team back to Newport Stadium again on Monday or Tuesday to deem the area safe for our fans.

"And because it's a pay-on-the-night stand, ticketing issues wouldn't come into the equation."

County urge fans who are eager to watch the Swansea game to buy tickets for the main grandstand today, before Newport's home league match with Bath City, or on Monday at the ground's ticket-office, which is open from 10am to 4pm and 6pm to 8pm.

As Swansea fans will occupy the behind-the-goal open terrace, there will only be a small pay-on-the-night standing area open for home fans.