NEWPORT COUNTY AFC 2019/20

BLOW FOR COUNTY

Feb 9 - Michael Flynn admitted to being shell shocked after County's latest failure. Liam O'Neil's goal was the difference as Cambridge United secured all three points against Newport County.
Jamille Matt had two opportunities in first-half stoppage-time to put County ahead but Cambridge goalkeeper Callum Burton was up to the task. The deadlock was finally broken when Paul Mullin's shot was parried by Tom King and O'Neil reacted quickest to put Cambridge ahead after 68 minutes.

County beat Leicester City under 21's 1-0 to progress to the FA Leasing Trophy semi finals. The goal came from Scott Bennett.

PLYMOUTH HOLD ON

Feb 2 - Despite several chances for the Exiles Plymouth held on to beat Newport. Tyreeq Bakinson's first goal for Plymouth Argyle secured victory over former club Newport County and saw them move up to third. Bakinson, on loan from Bristol City, turned in George Cooper's corner after five minutes. Newport's Jamile Matt fired over before Padraig Amond and Matt both went close.
Argyle ended the game with 10 men after Gary Sawyer was red carded

COUNTY SIGN KHAN

Newport County have signed Otis Khan on loan for the rest of the season from League Two rivals Mansfield Town. Attacking midfielder Khan, 24, is a former Manchester United youngster who began his senior career with Sheffield United. Khan also played for Barnsley and Yeovil Town before joining Mansfield in the summer of 2018.

COUNTY GRIND OUT MACCLESFIELD WIN

Jan 30 - Newport County earned a hard-fought 1-0 victory over struggling Macclesfield Town at Rodney Parade. Captain Joss Labadie's goal was the difference as he headed home after the visitors failed to clear their lines after Labadie's initial shot was saved. The Exiles were the better side and Labadie, Josh Sheehan and Jordan Green all missed chances to add to the score.

BAD START TO PLAY-OFF PUSH

Jan 26 - Buoyed by new signings and the prospect of Joe Ledley joining the Exiles Newport made a poor start to their play off push. Leyton Orient ended a six game winless run as two late goals secured victory over Newport County. Ryan Haynes' own goal following James Brophy's corner gave Orient the lead with nine minutes remaining. Ruel Sotiriou sealed victory with minute remaining before Jamile Matt headed home a stoppage time consolation. The game saw Orient rename the West Stand at the Breyer Group Stadium after their former head coach Justin Edinburgh.

LEDLEY MAY SIGN FOR EXILES

Jan 24 - Newport hope the to close the deal to sign Joe Ledley. The 32-year-old Welsh international has been training with the League Two outfit after a short spell with Championship side Charlton Athletic.
Newport manager Mike Flynn has sat down with Ledley to discuss a move and is hopeful a deal can be clinched.

"It is something we would like to do, we wouldn't have talked to him if we didn't want him (to sign)," Flynn said. "We have had a chat. I will know soon hopefully, later on or early next week. He is a quality player.
He has fitted in well with all the players, all the lads get on with him and if it can be done it is a no brainer." Earlier this month Ledley said he was keen to find a club close to his home in Cardiff. It is thought he has turned down offers from overseas, but did not rule out a move to Newport at the time.

NEW SIGNINGS BOOST COUNTY

Jan 23 - Newport County have signed winger Jordan Green from Barnsley on loan until the end of the season. The 24-year-old winger joined the Championship side in the January transfer window of 2019, signing from Yeovil after starting out at Fulham. Defender Ashley Baker 23, left Championship Sheffield Wednesday to sign an 18-month deal with the Exiles this week.

COUNTY STUN SWINDON

Jan 22 - Newport County stunned League Two leaders Swindon Town to get their own promotion ambitions back on track at Rodney Parade. The Exiles got off to the perfect start when midfielder Josh Sheehan blasted them in front with less than 60 seconds on the clock. The hosts also started the second period on the front foot and Jamille Matt swept home a second on 49 minutes.

COUNTY END POOR LEAGUE RUN WITH SCUNTHORPE WIN

Jan 12 - Newport beat Scunthorpe 2-1 to secure their first League Two win since October 19. Abo Eisa's fine strike had given Scunthorpe a first half lead in difficult conditions at Glandford Park
Jamile Matt brought County level before Scunthorpe's Lee Novak was shown a straight red card. Padraig Amond's goal a minute later proved to be the winner as Newport ended a run of 10 league games without a win but 11 points adrift of the play-off places. Newport County manager Michael Flynn said: "Obviously over the moon, especially after that first half performance because we were terrible. I read the riot act at half time. Second half I thought we were outstanding. I thought the game management was brilliant and thought the front three were brilliant when Jamile came on and the midfield were winning second balls. I thought they were all excellent and all did their job. As an away performance I can't give them any more credit than what I've given them."

WATERS SIGNS

Jan 10 - Newport County have signed forward Billy Waters from Northampton Town on loan until the end of the season. The 25-year-old previously played for Crewe Alexandra and Cheltenham Town and has made 13 appearances this season. "I am buzzing to have signed. I am very happy at how fast it has all been sorted and I am raring to get going now," Walters said.
"It's great news having Billy in. I've watched him for a number of years," Newport boss Michael Flynn.

EXILES' CUP RUN CONTINUES

Jan 8 - Newport County AFC are just two wins from Wembley after cruising into the quarter-finals of the Leasing.com Trophy with a morale-boosting win over MK Dons.
Only 665 home fans turned up on a miserable night at Rodney Parade and those who stayed away missed a treat as County finally found their shooting boots to outclass their League One opponents.
First-half strikes from Tristan Abrahams and Padraig Amond an own goal from Matthew Sorinola settled the tie after just 35 minutes as manager Michael Flynn was rewarded for naming a stronger than expected team.

MILWALL TOO STRONG FOR COUNTY

Jan 5 - Millwall comfortably reached the FA Cup fourth round with a 3-0 win against Newport.Matt Smith's seventh-minute goal gave the hosts the perfect start at The Den, the striker poking home a corner. Newport started the second half well and should have been level but Jamille Matt could not beat Bartosz Bialkowski. And the League Two side were left to rue that miss as Connor Mahoney converted a penalty before Tom Bradshaw sealed the win for the Lions.

TWO DRAWS FOR EXILES IN FESTIVE GAMES

Jan 1 - County came away with two 1-1 draws from festive home fixtures against Leyton Orient and Cheltenham. Padraig Amond rescued a draw for against Leyton Orient as both clubs remembered Justin Edinburgh, the late manager of both clubs. Edinburgh, who died aged 49 following a cardiac arrest in June 2019, was inducted into Newport's Hall of Fame. Ruel Sotiriou met Josh Wright's set-piece cross to score in under two minutes. Amond hit back from Scot Bennett's assist as the game wore on. Former Exile Ben Tozer's late equaliser gave Cheltenham Town a point. Tristan Abrahams opened the scoring for the hosts, squeezing his second-half strike home from close range from Josh Sheehan's corner.

EXETER HOLD OFF EXILES

Dec 26 - Lee Martin got the only goal as second placed Exeter City held off Newport County. Martin's match-winner came on 14 minutes when Jake Taylor's shot was blocked and the 32-year-old midfielder followed up to find the corner from 15 yards. County striker Jamille Matt almost snatched a draw but his close-range header under pressure from Taylor was narrowly off target.

COUNTY FALL TO BOTTOM OF LEAGUE SIDE

Dec 21 - Newport County continued their dreadful recent run by conceding a one goal lead to bottom placed Morecambe. The Shrimps ran out deserved 2-1 winners as County coach Mike Flynn condemned the Exiles second half performance as a 'disgrace'.

Morecambe climbed off the bottom of League Two as John O'Sullivan struck the winner to stun Newport County. Newport led early on as Taylor Maloney set up Joss Labadie to score. Cole Stockton levelled after the break and John O'Sullivan finished off a fine move to give the hosts their fourth victory of the season.

MATT SNATCHES DRAW

Dec 14 - Newport arrested their recent decline with a much needed point at Rodney Parade. Jamille Matt struck in injury time to rescue a point for Newport County and deny Stevenage victory. Emmanuel Sonupe put the visitors ahead when he robbed Josh Sheehan of possession, before guiding the ball past a diving Nick Townsend.

to be updated

NEWPORT PERFORM POORLY IN HOME DEFEAT

Nov 23 - Newport County looked decidedly off-colour as they struggled to find their touch against lowly Oldham. Zak Mills' goal on the stroke of half-time was enough for Oldham Athletic to seal an away win at Newport County. The 27-year-old passed a late fitness test to start for the Latics and he reacted quickest after Nick Townsend saved Jonny Smith's initial shot.
Newport improved in the second half but rarely troubled Zeus

COUNTY EASE PAST GRIMSBY

Nov 19 - Striker Padraig Amond continued his FA Cup heroics as Newport edged out 10-man Grimsby to reach the second round.
Amond's cool finish after 50 minutes was his eighth FA Cup goal in the last seven rounds of the competition, with Amond scoring in each and every round.
Midfielder Joss Labadie lashed home a second just after Mattie Pollock was sent off for the visitors.
Newport face a trip to eighth tier Maldon & Tiptree in round two on Friday, 29 November (19:55 GMT).

AMOND IN NEW DEAL

Nov 18 - Newport County striker Padraig Amond has signed a contract extension that will keep him at the League Two club until at least June 2022.
The 31-year-old Irishman has scored 44 goals in 129 appearances since arriving at Rodney Parade from Hartlepool United in August 2017.
"I am delighted to have signed a new contract," Amond said.
"I'm extremely happy and settled at the club and have loved my time here so far."
Amond is Newport's top scorer this season with seven goals in 19 appearances, helping Michael Flynn's side into the play-off places.

PENALTY GIVES COUNTY DESERVED DRAW

Nov 10 - Newport County fought back to earn a deserved draw at Blundell Park. Grimsby took the lead when Liam Gibson's cross was headed home by Luke Waterfall whose effort deceived Newport goalkeeper Tom King. The Exiles threw everything at Grimsby in the second half and an Amond header struck the base of the post.
on 79 minutes County drew level when Jake Hessenthaler fouled Mark O'Brien in the box and Amond scored the penalty as the two sides settled for a draw.

LEAGUE MATCH POSTPONED

Nov 8 - Newport's League Two game at Grimsby Town on Saturday, 16 November have been postponed due to international call-ups.
County's Tom King, Danny McNamara and Keanu Marsh-Brown will be on international duty. Goalkeeper King is in Wales' squad for the Euro 2020 qualifiers against Azerbaijan and Hungary.
Defender McNamara is in the Republic of Ireland's Under-21 squad while forward Marsh-Brown will be away with Guyana.
No new date has yet been announced for the League Two game between the sides, who also meet in the FA Cup first round this Saturday.

JUSTIN EDINBURGH TO BE HONOURED AT ORIENT FIXTURE

Nov 8 - The late Justin Edinburgh will be inducted into Newport County's Hall of Fame at their League Two match against Leyton Orient on 29 December.
Edinburgh was 49 when he died following a cardiac arrest in June 2019. As manager he guided Newport back into the Football League after a 25-year absence in 2013 and repeated the feat with Orient in 2018-19.

LATE PENALTY MISS DENIES COUNTY A POINT

Nov 3 - Newport County's poor recent run continued with a 2-1 home loss to Salford. Salford City keeper Mark Howard denied Newport County a point with a late penalty save from Tristan Abrahams.
Cameron Burgess put Salford ahead four minutes before the break, heading home Craig Conway's corner. But Newport levelled in stoppage time when Nathan Pond hooked into his own net under pressure from Ryan Inniss. Lois Maynard's header put Salford back in front, but they needed Howard's penalty save after Richard Towell tripped Corey Whitely in the area.

COLCHESTER SETBACK FOR EXILES

Oct 26 - Newport received a setback as they comfortably beaten by Colchester 3-1. They notched up an early goal as Tristan Abrahams put Josh Sheehan's cross into the back of the net
Former County star Ryan Jackson replied with a long-range strike and Ben Stevenson put the hosts ahead before the break. Courtney Senior added the third to seal victory for the hosts.
Newport County manager Mike Flynn said: "I wouldn't say it was tough to take because we didn't deserve anything. Colchester deserved the three points and there's not much more you can say about it, really."

ABRAHAMS GRABS POINT

Oct 22 - Tristan Abrahams came off the bench to earn Newport County a draw against Crawley Town with his first touch. The striker took on the responsibility of a penalty after Crawley's Jordan Tunnicliffe had fouled Robbie Willmott. Crawley had led through their own spot kick, Ashley Nathaniel-George converting after Dan McNamara was penalised for handball.
Abrahams almost grabbed a late winner for the Exiles but saw his stoppage-time effort strike the post.

COUNTY MAINTAIN STRONG START

Oct 19 - Newport County continued their excellent start to the season thanks to Josh Sheehan's winner in a 2-1 victory over Scunthorpe. Sheehan's first of the season, struck from 20-yards out, ensured Newport kept up the pressure on the teams at the top of League Two. Padraig Amond put the Exiles ahead just before the break, but a mistake by Newport defender Mark O'Brien saw him put through his own net to make it 1-1.

STUNNING STRIKE BRINGS ANOTHER LATE EXILES HOME WIN

Oct 6 - Newport scored another late winner to tie up three points and move up to third in League Two. In a tense match shaded by Carlisle substitute George Nurse hit a stunning 25 metre strike to sink the Cumbrians in the 96th minute. Nurse had only come on in the 87th minute as a replacement for Matty Dolan and his wonder strike flew past a previously untested Adam Collin in the Carlisle goal. It won the game for the Exiles protecting their unbeaten home record and leaving them just a point off the top of the table. Att 3681

Next Saturday's League Two clash between Cheltenham Town and Newport County AFC has been postponed after three Exiles players received international call-ups.
Danny McNamara, Lewis Collins and Keanu Marsh-Brown have been selected to represent their countries over the course of the international weekend so a new date will be found for the game.

FLYNN SIGNS NEW DEAL

Oct 5 - Manager Michael Flynn has signed a new contract to remain at Newport County until at least June 2022. The 38-year-old's previous deal had been due to expire at the end of this season.
Flynn had been wanted by Lincoln City and held talks with them last month, before opting against taking charge of the League One club.
Instead Flynn has committed to the League Two side he took over in March 2017 and helped save from relegation. He took Newport to the League Two play-off final last season and Flynn has also overseen lucrative FA Cup runs. "It's positive. It gives myself and the club a bit of security and it's something - if I'm honest - I thought would have been done after the play-off final," Flynn said.
"But it's the right timing now and hopefully we can just concentrate on continuing our league form."

EXILES IN BIG WIN AT SWINDON

Sep 28 - Michael Flynn proclaimed an 'outstanding performance' as his team buoyed by 780 travelling fans won away at fourth-placed Swindon this afternoon. The Exiles controlled the first half and took the lead when Mark O'Brien headed home from a corner seven minutes before the interval. Swindon hit back in the second half and hit the crossbar but Newport secured the victory when Matt got in front of the centre half to strike home an Amond cross. County are two points from the top with Exeter still heading League Two.

COUNTY FIGHT BACK AGAINST LEADERS

Sept 21 - Newport fought back against League Two leaders Exeter to earn a point at Rodney Parade. Lee Martin got goal for Exeter as he tapped home from a corner to give them the lead after 15 minutes. Jamille Matt missed two or three excellent chances before the Exiles equalised when Tristan Abrahams scored from the spot after Josh Sheehan was fouled.

AMOND GOAL BRINGS POINT AT MACCLESFIELD

Sept 17 - Despite a first minute goal by Padraig Amond Newport came away from Macclesfield with a point for their efforts. The Silkmen levelled when Jay Harris' pass over the top picked out Emmanuel Osadebe to clip the ball home.

ACADEMY COACH STEPS DOWN

Sept 21 - Newport County academy manager Jorden Gibson has resigned from his post after only three months in the job following a club investigation over his conduct.
Newport confirmed Gibson's departure in a short statement on their website. "NCAFC can confirm that following an internal investigation, academy manager Jorden Gibson has resigned from his post and has left the club with immediate effect," they wrote. Gibson previously spent over six years working for Stevenage FC.

FLYNN SPECULATION HINDERS COUNTY EFFORT

Sept 14 - Newport's 17 match unbeaten run came to end against Northampton amidst speculation confirming manager Michael Flynn. Andy Williams and Sam Hoskins got the Cobblers goals. Mike Flynn told BBC Sport Wales:"I don't think we were quite at it today. We huffed and puffed at times, but you could see the tone where we had a chance to go 1-0 up, but for an offside, then they score.
"It's a bit frustrating. It was a so-so performance. They did what they did well and deserved the three points." On being linked the vacant role of League One Lincoln City boss, Flynn said: "I'm just here to talk about today's game and be respectful to my players because they deserve it. I'll be in charge on Tuesday (at Macclesfield).

Update - Flynn has committed himself to the Exiles. "There was an approach over the weekend, the club gave me permission to speak to them, I spoke to them and I made the decision that I've got a job to do here and that was that," Flynn said after their 1-1 draw at Macclesfield

LATE WINNER BEATS VALE

Sept 7 - Jamille Matt's first goal of the season helped Newport County to maintain their impressive start in League Two. Matt's introduction proved crucial as he was assisted by Corey Whitely, another second half substitute. The Exiles had come close when Ryan Haynes struck the inside of the post, while Leon Legge headed against the woodwork in stoppage time for Vale.
Padraig Amond saw a penalty saved by Scott Brown moments after Matt tapped home County's 77th minute winner.

LAZAR LEAVES

Sept 3 - Lazar Stojsavljevic has left Newport County by mutual consent, less than three months after joining the League Two side.
The 21-year-old central defender signed a two-year deal at Rodney Parade in June after being released by Championship side Millwall.
Stojsavljevic played just 29 minutes for the Exiles. He started the Carabao Cup first-round tie at Gillingham, won by Newport on penalties, but was substituted early.
The club said it "wishes Lazar well in his future career".

EXILES SEE OFF FOREST GREEN TO GO SECOND

Aug 31 - Mistakes by Forest Green Rovers goalkeeper Joe Wollacott played in a major part in Newport's 2-0 at the New Lawn. Wollacott gifted the visitors a fourth-minute goal when he dawdled with the ball at his feet, allowing Josh Sheehan to feed Padraig Amond for the opener. The keeper compounded his mistake just before the half-hour when he was sent off for bringing down Tristan Abrahams. Backed by 898 travelling fans Ryan Haynes added a late second goal to secure victory for the Exiles.
Newport manager Michael Flynn told BBC Sport Wales: "We were excellent today, very professional out of possession, but in possession I thought we were a little bit sloppy - we were looking for the killer pass too much when we should have been patient."

COUNTY MISS CHANCES BUT WEST HAM SHOW THEIR CLASS

Aug 28 - It was not to be for the Cup giant-killers this time. Despite opportunities to score it was Jack Wilshere who scored his first goal for West Ham to help them avoid an upset in the second round of the Carabao Cup. Padraig Amond missed a great chance midway through the first half after Abrahams made a neat pass. An error by Kyle Howkins just before half time let Wilshere in. Pablo Fornals became the second player of the evening to score his first Hammers goal when he tapped in from Felipe Anderson's low cross. But with Sky cameras in attendance and a 6,000 plus crowd it was still a bumper night for the Exiles. Ironically, Newport face West Ham under 23s next week (on Wednesday) at RP in the EFL Trophy.

LATE GOAL GIVES COUNTY ANOTHER HOME VICTORY

Aug 25 - Despite playing poorly Newport County found the energy to summon up a late goal in blistering temperatures against Crewe. The league leaders had dominated possession but created few chances before the Exiles broke through in injury time. A pass from debutant put Tristan Abrahams through, he shrugged off a challenge before squaring the ball to Padraig Amond to make it 1-0. There was not time for Crewe to recover. Despite a poor game from County with indifferent midfield they defended stoutly before the late, late finish that has put them up to fifth.

Newport boss Michael Flynn told BBC Sport Wales: "We didn't turn up until the 88th minute so we were poor today. I'm not going to dress it up. We were really poor going forward, but as a team we defended well, limited their chances - I don't think they had one clear-cut chance. And they've gone for the win and it's cost them."

PALACE DEFENDER SIGNED ON LOAN

Aug 23 - Newport County have signed defender Ryan Inniss on loan from Premier League side Crystal Palace for the rest of the 2019-20 season. The 24-year-old rose through the Palace academy and his loan spells have included Dundee United and Luton Town. County centre-back Mickey Demetriou has been ruled out for up to 14 weeks with a broken fibula.
Demetriou was stretchered off during Newport's 1-0 win over Plymouth last Saturday.

FLYNN LAUDS POINT AT WALSALL

Aug 21 - Michael Flynn lauded Newport's performance in adversity at Walsall as they gained another point from an uneventful goalless draw. He told BBC Sport Wales: "I am more pleased with that point than I was with Saturday's win. I have got so many players missing. The way the boys dug in and the work-rate they put in was second to none. t's everything I want from my players. Yes we weren't very good going forward but we limited them."

COUNTY BEAT PLYMOUTH TO MAINTAIN UNBEATEN START

Aug 18 - Newport County maintained their unbeaten start to the Sky Bet League Two season by beating highly fancied Plymouth 1-0 at Rodney Parade.
The game appeared to be heading towards a stalemate but Kyle Howkins' header just nine minutes from time snatched the win for Michael Flynn's side.
Plymouth were the better side in the first half and came close to opening the scoring when a Joe Edwards shot. Newport were then dealt a major blow when Mickey Demetriou was stretchered off the field with a leg injury. A back-heeled shot by Ryan Taylor was cleared off the line by Padraig Amond but both sides failed to open the scoring before the break. Joss Labadie was shown a yellow card for a late challenge on Edwards as the game began to get heated.
Newport gained the upper hand and grabbed the winner in the 81st minute when a powerful header from Howkins found the back of the net from a well-timed cross by Ryan Haynes.

EXILES EDGE OUT GILLS TO EARN PLUM TIE

Aug 15 - Gillingham were awarded three spot-kicks in normal time but managed to lose Tuesday’s Carabao Cup game on a penalty shoot-out.
Brandon Hanlan put the Gills ahead with a penalty in the first half but had another spot-kick in the second half saved. Tristan Abraham got Newport level but both teams scored from the spot at the death, with Padraig Amond cancelling out Mikael Ndjoli’s effort. Newport keeper Nick Townsend saved twice in the penalty contest as the Exiles prevailed 4-3 to earn a plum tie at home to West Ham in the next round.

Newport v West Ham head to head (Ironsides v Irons)

Played 3, won 1, lost 1, drew 1

8 Feb 1947 - lost 3-0 (division 2)

19 Apr 1947 - drew 1-1 (division 2)

9 Jan 1979 - won 2-1 (FA Cup)

COUNTY RETURN FROM CAMBRIDGE WITH A POINT

Aug 11 - Newport County earned their second successive draws after a goalless League Two encounter with Cambridge. According to reports Padraig Amond and Danny McNamara had early Newport chances while Jabo Ibehre and Luke Hannant fired wide for the hosts. County's Joss Labadie flashed a shot wide of the post and went close with a header in the second half.
Robbie Willmott was denied by home keeper Dimitar Mitov but both sides had to settle for a point apiece.

COUNTY THROW AWAY TWO GOAL LEAD

Aug 4 - The Exiles threw away a two goal lead in an exciting opening day contest at Rodney Parade to draw 2-2 with Mansfield. The 4,481 crowd saw Newport take the lead aftter seven minutes when Joss Labadie connected with Ryan Haynes' cross to find the back of the net. Padraig Amond put Newport further ahead with a penalty in the 34th minute after Jamille Matt was brought down in the box to give the hosts a 2-0 lead at the interval. Mansfield scored two goals in the space of two minutes in the early stages of the second half. Substitute Kellan Gordon's free-kick was headed into the back of the net by captain Krystian Pearce after 47 minutes. A dire mistake from Newport goalkeeper Tom King then allowed Danny Rose's weak shot to trickle in to level the scores. King made amends when he saved a penalty from Nicky Maynard after Robbie Willmott brought Jacob Mellis down in the box.

ABRAHAMS JOINS

Aug 1 - Striker Tristan Abrahams has signed a two-year deal at Newport County AFC and will join the club immediately, subject to international clearance.
The 6ft 1ins frontman began his career at Leyton Orient in November 2016, moving immediately on loan to Cambridge City, where he made four appearances for the Lilywhites in the Southern League.
Upon his return to Orient, Abrahams was put straight into the first-team and actually made his Football League debut at Rodney Parade against the Exiles in March 2017.

In addition to negotiating possible additions to the squad Justin has also been finalising pre-season with the remaining dates scheduled for fixtures due to be confirmed early next week.