OFFICIALS are "optimistic" Oxford United's visit to Newport County tomorrow will go ahead after the Welsh club made progress with the playing surface at Rodney Parade.

But although the pitch was deemed playable this afternoon, the chances of the fixture going ahead rest with the amount of rainfall which falls overnight.

Patches of standing water were visible yesterday, but the Exiles have worked hard on it since.

A Super Blotter, which is often seen clearing water at cricket grounds, has been brought in, while the pitch has also been spiked to improve the drainage.

Further rain is forecast, both tonight and in the build-up to the game tomorrow, but the club are doing all they can to avoid postponing their second home game over the festive period.

Newport's chief executive Dave Boddy told the South Wales Argus: "The outcome will still depend on the overnight weather but we're optimistic.

"We are desperate to get the game on having lost the Wimbledon game (on December 21)."

Updates will appear here tomorrow morning.