NEWPORT City are aiming high as they get ready to kick off their Cymru South campaign.

After losing 2-0 to Llantwit Major in the Nathaniel MG Cup last weekend, the Steelmen get under way in the league with a Friday night clash against Ammanford (kick-off 7.30pm).

It promises to be a stern challenge at Spytty Park against visitors who finished third last season but City are relishing the step up.

They finished second behind Trethomas Bluebirds in Ardal South East and then won a promotion play-off against Cefn Cribwr.

Sam Houldworth’s side kept the heat on the champions with a winning streak that went back to a draw at the end of December, plus they lifted the FAW Amateur Trophy.

The play-off victory ensured it was a successful season and the Steelmen intend to go again after an eye-catching recruitment drive that has added to an already strong squad.

“We can’t wait for this,” said boss Houldworth. “We had a few difficult seasons but in the end we were too good for that division.

“That isn’t arrogance, both us and Trethomas kept on winning and everyone else realised that we were two strong teams.

“We don’t know where we will fall in Cymru South and every team will be a test but we are trying to push again.

“We know that being promoted will be hard but we want to be up there and fighting. We have signed players that want to be challenging for that and we are ambitions, but we also know that it is going to be a very tough league.”

The club’s signings – notably former County striker Nat Jarvis – and a pre-season trip to Valencia will ensure that plenty want them to fail.

However, the Steelmen’s success would be good for the city and the hope is that there will be some extra cheers from the Amber Army.

The club are giving free entry to Newport County season ticket holders, who need to show their card at the turnstile for access to the ground.

In time, especially if ambitious City can climb to the Cymru Premier, there could be the chance to send young Exiles academy talent out on loan but for now it’s just some addition backing.

“County have around 2,000 season ticket holders, so if we could just get a couple of hundred down here then that would be great,” said Houldsworth.

The Steelmen’s clash with Ammanford is one of four games on Friday with the two other Gwent sides in action on Saturday afternoon after they met in the cup last weekend.

Trethomas enjoyed an away win at Cwmbran Celtic – earning a round two tie against Baglan Dragons – and go on their travels to Llantwit Major.

The Bluebirds lost just twice last season so, like Newport, are relishing the step up.

It’s a new era at Celtic Park after the departure of James Kinsella with new boss Simon Berry at the helm for the home encounter with Cambrian United, who finished fourth last season.

Friday fixtures: Newport City v Ammanford, Pontypridd United v Afan Lido, Taffs Well v Llanelli Town, Trefelin BGC v Caerau Ely.

Saturday: Carmarthen Town v Goytre United, Cwmbran Celtic v Cambrian United, Llantwit Major v Trethomas Bluebirds, Penrhiwceiber Rangers v Baglan Dragons