SWINDON Town’s League Two clash with Newport County at Rodney Parade next month has been brought forward.

The fixture will be played on Saturday, February 4 at 12.45pm rather than 3pm, with Swindon saying the move was made due to “an increased police presence at Rodney Parade” and the Exiles stating it is a “decision that has been made due to safety concerns.”

Last season, a Robins fan was given a three-year ban after running onto the pitch at Rodney Parade to celebrate Jack Payne’s last-gasp winner.

Town beat County 2-1 in South Wales last November after Dom Telford quickly cancelled out Finn Azaz’s 72nd-minute own goal. Payne secured three points for the Robins in the 88th minute when his long-range strike found the bottom corner.

This season’s encounter takes place on the same day as Wales’ Six Nations opener against Ireland, which kicks off at 2.15pm in Cardiff.

That Principality Stadium fixture is likely to lead to the M4 and trains being busy, along with Newport city centre.

Swindon are likely to sell out their allocation of tickets – which is around 1,000 – for the closest away trip in League Two this season.

Town fans have been allocated 400 tickets for covered seating in the side stand, and circa 600 uncovered seating tickets behind the goal.

Tickets went on sale to supporters with 300 loyalty points on Thursday morning, with adult prices between £20-£22, OAP prices at £18 for either stand, student prices between £14-£16, Under-16s at £10, U12s at £8, and U6s going free.

Season-ticket holders with fewer than 300 points can secure their spot from Tuesday, January 24, and general sale will be available from Thursday, January 26.

Town beat Newport 1-0 at the County Ground earlier in the season after Luke Jephcott struck shortly after half-time.

The loss proved too much for the County board as they sacked head coach James Rowberry just six days later.