NEWPORT County AFC have announced that next Wednesday's pre-season friendly against Bristol City will now be played behind closed doors in Bristol.

The match was set to be played at Rodney Parade or Spytty Park next week but the decision to move it has been taken to avoid a clash with a World Cup semi-final potentially featuring England.

A statement from County said: "Both clubs have reviewed the fixture and have decided that, particularly in the light of the potential for England to be engaged in a World Cup semi-final on the same evening, the costs of staging the match would far outweigh any revenue derived from it and is therefore not commercially viable.

"Whilst the match will be played behind closed doors, supporters will be able to watch a full match replay free of charge on our iFollow service.

"Newport County AFC would like to thank Bristol City and Newport Live for their assistance and understanding in reaching this decision."