This is kind of a two-part story. First is a club that was founded in 1912, joined the Football League Third Division in 1920, and struggled along in the third to fifth tiers for 50 years. They had to apply for re-election to the league 10 times! In 1977 they avoided relegation on the last day, which almost certainly kept them in business….

All the Welsh Football League clubs – Swansea City, Wrexham and especially Cardiff City – qualify as rivals, as do English neighbors Bristol Rovers, Cheltenham and Swindon Town. Wrexham will be back in the same league this season, so that would be a fixture to aim for….

There’s an official anthem called “Come On The County” or “Run Lads, Shoot Lads,” but I didn’t hear it at the ground. If you look on YouTube for a version by The Tenants Supermen, that’s pretty fun. They also do the “Hi Ho Newport County” better known at Wolverhampton and Sheffield Wednesday. And they appear to sing about sheep a lot….

The Exiles currently call Rodney Parade home, but it’s actually a rugby ground – that sport is more popular in this part of the world – and it’s frankly an odd place for football. It holds 7,850, in two big stands on the sides and two terraces in the ends, plus some other bits and bobs of seats and other buildings mixed in. Although County have…

GETTING THERE: It’s only a quarter mile from the train station, so about a 10-minute walk, tops. Here’s a Google Maps link. PUBS: There are several good options around the station. Look for the Tiny Rebel and Bar Amber, both usually packed with supporters, and also The Potters, which looks a better option for sitting down. Ye Olde Murrenger…