IT'S the kind of advertising you just couldn't buy. As Newport County prepare to face Blackpool in an FA Cup battle next Wednesday, both the team and town will have a prime-time TV slot.

And for those backing Newport's bid to gain city status, the timing could not be better. "The decision by Sky to show the game live is absolutely great news," said Ben Hoppe, chairman of Newport's city status bid committee.

"It will market Newport County Football Club and Newport as a town on a bigger scale than we could have ever hoped.

"This, together with the decision to bring the Ryder Cup to the town's Celtic Manor Resort and the continuing success of Newport Rugby Club, confirms our proposed billing of Newport being a sporting city.

"It is all happening at the right time for us, our bid is going from strength to strength. The decision to screen the game live on Sky Sports will raise the profile of Newport immensely."

To mark the 2002 Golden Jubilee celebrations, one town from each of the home countries will be made a city. Newport will learn in February or March if it has been successful.

More than five-and-a-half million households have access to Sky Sports through their Sky Digital systems - and that''s without including cable or analogue viewers. And the game will also be watched by many pubs and sports club with Sky Sports. "It will improve the status of the club and the town as a whole," said County chairman Wallace Brown.

"And it has come at the right time as Newport quite rightly bids to become a city, a bid which everyone at the football club supports."

The financial implications for the Exiles club are huge. Not only do they get £100,000 for hosting a live Sky Sports game plus the gate receipts, of what is likely to be their biggest attendance at Newport Stadium, the club will have a large amount of interest from local businesses regarding sponsorship.

"We have already had a few enquiries about sponsorship," said Mr Brown. "And extra funds through sponsorship is always a boost to any football club at any level."

Newport County v Blackpool has a 7.45pm kick-off and will be televised live on Sky Sports.

*PICTURED: County fans show their appreciation to their team.