THE atmosphere was electric in Newport today as fans new and old watched the first ever competitive clash between County and Manchester United.

Venues were heaving ahead of the game with none more packed to the rafters than fan-run Bar Amber on High Street.

Two goals in the first 13 minutes threatened to make it a miserable 90 for the home crowd but joyous strikes from Bryn Morris and Will Evans got them dreaming again - and even believing.

In the end, United won 4-2, but the amber army can hold their heads high.

Here are some of the best pictures from a day that Newport will never forget.

Evans equalsSouth Wales Argus: Newport County's Will Evans (left) celebrates scoring their side's second goal of the game with team-mates during the Emirates FA Cup fourth round match at Rodney Parade, Newport.Newport County's Will Evans (left) celebrates scoring their side's second goal of the game with team-mates during the Emirates FA Cup fourth round match at Rodney Parade, Newport. (Image: PA News)

The moment the magic happened. Will Evans (left) celebrates scoring County's second with team-mates shortly after half-time. Picture: PA News

Nosy neighbours

These fans have to be admired for their ingenuity for watching the game from scaffolding in their garden next to the ground. 

South Wales Argus: Fans watch the match from a scaffold outside the ground during the Emirates FA Cup fourth round match at Rodney Parade, Newport. Picture date: Sunday January 28, 2024. Picture PA NewsFans watch the match from a scaffold outside the ground during the Emirates FA Cup fourth round match at Rodney Parade, Newport. Picture date: Sunday January 28, 2024. Picture PA News (Image: PA)

Picture: PA News.

'At the end of the day, it's all on the day'

South Wales Argus: Left to right- Carl O'Lander, Jon Pye and Amanda PyeLeft to right- Carl O'Lander, Jon Pye and Amanda Pye (Image: NQ staff)

L-R: Carl O'Lander, Jon Pye, Amanda Pye. 

Carl O'Lander was optimistic ahead of the game, pointing to County's habit of giant killing in the cup. 

"We've done it with Tottenham, we've done it with Leicester, we've done it with Middlesbrough," he said.

"At the end of the day, it's all on the day. We'll be right on top of the players and you know what the atmosphere is like at Rodney Parade. There's nowhere else like it."

Heart says one thing, head says another

South Wales Argus: L to r Martin Pugh, Jack Pugh, Steve HuwsL to r Martin Pugh, Jack Pugh, Steve Huws (Image: NQ staff)L-R: Martin Pugh, Jack Pugh, Steve Huws

We spoke to this smiley trio on High Street before the game. Martin Pugh said: "I'm a lifelong man United supporter from Pontypool. My grandson is a County season ticket holder and his dad supports both.

"I'm hoping for a draw in all honesty so County can go to Old Trafford. My heart says a draw, my head says United, 2-1."

Amber bonanza
South Wales Argus: Bar Amber in good spirits. Drums, chants, and a number of people admiring from the street.Bar Amber in good spirits. Drums, chants, and a number of people admiring from the street. (Image: NQ staff)Bar Amber was in great spirits before the game - and, to be fair, even after. There were drums, chants, and a number of admiring on-lookers from the street.

Carpenters

South Wales Argus: Fans outside the Carpenters pub this afternoonFans outside the Carpenters pub this afternoon (Image: NQ staff)

United... in Gwent

South Wales Argus: Dean and James who are United supporters but live in GwentDean and James who are United supporters but live in Gwent (Image: NQ staff)We asked Dean and James, United supporters, whether it was their first time in Newport. Then they said they live in Gwent.

James said: "I will say, it's great for the city, everyone's in a good mood and it's busy. There's a lot of police though!

"United need to win because it's the only trophy they're going for. A draw would be great though."

'Magic of the FA Cup'

South Wales Argus: On right- Jamie and TaylanOn right- Jamie and Taylan (Image: NQ staff)We stopped Taylan and Jamie (on the right) just before they crossed the bridge to watch the biggest game of their lives - but they didn't mind.

Jamie said: "We're absolutely buzzing, excited. I think we'll probably lose but you never know. It's the magic of the FA Cup!

"A draw would be amazing."

The County-loving Kelvin-Smith family predicted a 3-1 home win

South Wales Argus: The Kelvin-Smith family say 3-1 to the County!The Kelvin-Smith family say 3-1 to the County! (Image: NQ staff)

 

South Wales Argus: County fans make their way over Newport Bridge ready for kick offCounty fans make their way over Newport Bridge ready for kick off (Image: NQ staff)South Wales Argus: County fans make their way over Newport Bridge ready for kick offCounty fans make their way over Newport Bridge ready for kick off (Image: NQ staff)South Wales Argus: Inside the fan zone at Rodney ParadeInside the fan zone at Rodney Parade (Image: NQ staff)

'We just love football'

South Wales Argus: Left David Ryan, from Nashville. Right Bill Mcinerny, from AtlantaLeft David Ryan, from Nashville. Right Bill Mcinerny, from Atlanta (Image: NQ staff)David Ryan (left) and Bill McInerny

These gentlemen have committed to watching a game of football on each day of their holiday - no - vacation to the UK.

Bill McInerny from Atlanta, Georgia, said: "I hate Manchester United! I'm a Liverpool supporter. We just love football."

They picked out Newport County v Manchester United as the most interesting game of the day.

That sign

And another