NEWPORT County have jettisoned the ‘dome covers’ they hoped could improve the Rodney Parade pitch, but are positive they can overcome the current problems that have decimated their fixture list.

As revealed in Argus sport, the Exiles’ powerbrokers – including manager Justin Edinburgh – met yesterday to discuss the long-running issues that have seen Newport have a home game called off SIX times this season already.

The Argus understands that among the topics under discussion was the prospect of contacting a third party about a contingency, should more games prove unplayable at the ground the Exiles share with Newport RFC and the Dragons, but County wouldn’t disclose that information.

Head of Operations at Rodney Parade, Mark Jones, revealed to the Argus on Tuesday evening that his staff have begun work on remedial drainage, digging trenches on the Bisley Stand side of the ground to connect with a drain inserted near the north end of the ground’s goalmouth, the most damaged area of turf.

County’s chief executive Dave Boddy explained: “We had a very positive meeting and after the disappointment of Tuesday, it’s business as usual with everyone working as hard as possible to sort things out.

“We haven’t kept the covers, they worked as they should, but the feeling is that they aren’t going to help us with the problems we’re encountering.

“Mark and his team have been working on the drainage as you know and we are all hoping that we have a really good opportunity to get next Tuesday’s game on.”

Meanwhile, Dragons’ head coach Darren Edwards has admitted it’s tough for all parties.

“It’s heartbreaking looking at it. I’ve never seen the pitch like this,” he said.

“Rodney Parade is actually one of the best surfaces around for playing rugby and it’s a shame to see it in such a state.”

Meanwhile, County striker Aaron O’Connor has revealed on Twitter that he is running again as he steps up his rehabilitation from a recent hernia operation.

“Day 2 running, upped the anti again (no pain). Rehabilitation work done in the gym along with a few beach weights. Now home for lunch,” he wrote.