NEWPORT County AFC have given up home advantage for the second leg of their League Two play-off semi-final against Forest Green Rovers because the Rodney Parade pitch is due to be dug up.

The planned renovation of the hybrid surface, which was delayed from last summer because of the coronavirus pandemic, is booked in for before the scheduled home date of Sunday, May 23.

That has led to a switch in the fixtures with County hosting Rovers on Tuesday, May 18 (kick-off 8.15pm) before travelling to Nailsworth on the Sunday (kick-off 6.30pm).

It is a rejig of the schedule with the other first leg between Tranmere and Morecambe taking place as planned on Thursday, May 20 (kick-off 6pm).

South Wales Argus: HEAVY: County lost to Forest Green on a testing Parade surface in FebruaryHEAVY: County lost to Forest Green on a testing Parade surface in February

County won their 2019 semi-final against Mansfield despite playing at Field Mill second while last season Northampton went up after overturning a second-leg deficit at Cheltenham to make it to Wembley.

Games in England could be played in front of crowds but there is no decision yet for Newport or Swansea City, who are in the Championship play-offs.

The EFL has stated that both legs will be behind closed doors if one club is not allowed to have fans in the stands.

County were given permission to move two games in March to Cardiff City Stadium because of pitch problems in Newport.

That came after a game against Forest Green was played in terrible conditions, and the surface has improved dramatically thanks to the breather.

The Dragons also moved games during that period and will shift their final home clash of the Rainbow Cup away from Rodney Parade.

They are due to host Glasgow on the final weekend of May, with the PRO14 set to confirm the final rounds of the competition next week.

The Dragons played at Principality Stadium earlier this season but that pitch has also been renovated. Any venue would have to be Covid-secure.