ACTION-starved Newport County fans can enjoy a bonus ball game tonight, with the Exiles heading for a tune-up clash at historic Penydarren Park against Merthyr Town (kick-off 7.30pm).

Just like London buses the fixtures are suddenly coming thick and fast for Newport, after we all waited ages with the Exiles on hiatus for the past fortnight until Saturday’s thrilling 3-3 draw at Mansfield Town.

It means County are still winless in 2011, but having survived at 3-3 for 45 minutes with 10 men, boss Tim Harris admitted his players came away feeling more positive about their situation, the Exiles falling away in the race for the play-offs.

However, with 48 points still up for grabs and a belter of a game against Luton Town to come on Friday, the Exiles are stepping things up with tonight’s friendly contest, designed to give some much needed match sharpness to several players in need.

The Exiles have been extremely busy in the transfer market in recent weeks and with the squad swelling in numbers, Harris believes it’s important to give some players game-time before the Luton clash. a huge contest for both sides.

“The camp is very positive, we are all looking forward to the game and feeling like we’ve come back into form, but I still have a lot of players who need game time,” he said.

“The skipper (Gary Warren) hasn’t played for five weeks (because of a four-game suspension) and there are several others who really could do with getting a game in.

“Our squad is a lot stronger than it was a month ago and we need to reflect that and ensure everyone is as fit as they can possibly be and this game will help us to do that.”

Any County supporter making the trip to Merthyr can look forward to seeing a strong line-up, the vast majority of the travelling squad comprised of first team players.

Tickets are priced at £4 for adults, £3 seniors and free for under-16s.

First team squad members travelling: Thompson, Garner, Odhiambo, A Hughes, Warren, Todd, Hatswell, Burns, Foley, McDonald, Morgan, Fowler, Collins, Lennon, Odubade

Newport County AFC Social Club's Annual General Meeting was recently held in Baramber. Members were pleased to hear that Baramber had donated £5,000 to Newport County AFC for the electronic control of the turnstiles required by the Football League in addition to the £2,400 donated each month. Baramber hopes to give the County at least £35,000 this season.