County draw Gills
Oct 14 – Newport County have drawn a home tie against Gillingham in the FA Cup first round on November 1. The Gills won 3-1 at Rodney Parade on September 20. They are currently third in League Two.
Vital win for Exiles
Oct 11 -Crowning a much better week for Newport County the Exiles made it two out of two with a 1-0 win over Accrington Stanley at the Wham Stadium. The result lifts them off the bottom of the table.
There was a bright start from County with early opportunities for Bobby Kamwa and Michael Spellman. Spellman had a second chance after 30 minutes but his fine header was deflected on to the post by Accrington keeper Wright. On 42 minutes Kamwa cut inside from the right and his shot was redirected by a home defender into the net.
Accrington started the second half with far more urgency with Isaac Heath prominent but made few chances. Braybrooke came close for the Exiles after 79 minutes from outside the area after a brief period of pressure.
Newport win surprise victory in Cardiff
Oct 8 – Despite their league woes Newport County provided coach David Hughes with much needed breathing space as they beat Cardiff City 1-0 in the EFL Trophy. 1500 Exiles fans in the Cardiff City Stadium were jubilant as they saw Newport play with confidence against their League 1 opponents. Opoku had a number of good chance but it was Tom Davies who sealed victory with a 43rd minute header from a Kai Whitmore cross.
County still not good enough
Oct 4 – The Exiles put in another disappointing showing today as they went down 1-0 to high flying Swindon Town. The away side were considerably below par but still encountered few difficulties from Newport County.
It was a terrible start to the game for the Exiles conceding a 9th minute goal by Olly Palmer, with a deft flick from a free kick. It was given away by full back Rhys Jenkins, who was booked for a rash challenge.
It was the first in a series of bookings as Newport showed a complete lack of confidence and poor levels of discipline in a frustrating first half for home fans. Despite the dreadful standard of general play the Exiles improved in the second half showing greater intensity and creating more chances but Swindon were always looking for the counter attack and had the better opportunities in a very forgettable match. Newport to improve, and fast. Attendance – 4565.
County fortunate there are two teams worse than them
Sep 27 – Newport County are fortunate there are two teams worse than them in League Two currently. They fell 4-1 away at Chesterfield but fortunately Shrewsbury were losing 2-1 at home to MK Dons and Cheltenham were being dismantled by 7 goals to 1 at Grimsby.
Will Grigg opened the scoring for the hosts in the 33rd minute, heading in from Liam Mandeville’s cross. Chesterfield extended their advantage just before the break, as Will Dickson surged from his own half, cut inside, and drilled a finish beyond Nik Tzanev.
Substitute Michael Spellman pulled one back for County, but Ronan Darcy quickly restored the two-goal cushion, and Dilan Markanday later added a fourth to put the result beyond doubt. Coach David Hughes stated there were too many unforced errors. The Exiles have one point from their last eight matches.
Exiles succumb to league leaders
Sep 20 – After a bright opening Newport failed to match league leaders Gillingham, losing by three goals to one at Rodney Parade. The Exiles were quick out of the traps with Opoku scoring in the first minute. Awarded a penalty after nine minutes they should have doubled their advantage but Cameron Antwi’s penalty was saved by Glenn Morris.
Bradley Dack pulled the Gills level on 23 minutes with a precise strike from the edge of the box before Jonny Smith put the visitors ahead for the first time.
Gillingham made it three on 45 minutes with a penalty calmly dispatched by Dack. Newport had plenty to work with in the second half but failed to take advantage and sit just above the relegation zone.
Late goal gives County deserved point
Sep 14 – A late goal by Courtney Baker Richardson gave the Exiles a deserved draw at Prenton Park. His 87th minute equaliser capped a much improved performance by Newport County as they battle relegation. After a promising opening 30 minutes from the Exiles it was Tranmere who took the lead with Jayden Joseph taking his opportunity.
In the second half Tranmere hit the bar and Newport were denied a goal due to offside before sub Baker-Richardson turned in the area on 87 minutes to take his goal.
Rovers win despite late County comeback
Sep 6 – Both sides offered little in the first half with just one half chance for the Exiles blocked by the Rovers goalkeeper Brady Young. The game burst into action at the start of the second half as Rovers took the lead after a series of rebounds and blocks came the way of Thomas after 52 minutes. They doubled their advantage with a gift from the Exiles the goalkeeper Tzanev passed the ball to Thomas who smashed it home on the hour. Ellis Harrison added a third after 70 minutes after Tzanev missed a cross. Newport initially offered very little, with zero attacking flair or ambition until Kai Whitmore blasted home a half volley after a headed assist from substitute Opoku. In the 89th minute after a period of excellent football Opoku scored his first goal placing in a Jenkins cross. County were transformed, Garner came close after deflecting a Kamwa cross towards goal in added time. But the Gas limped home to take the spoils.
County swoop for two loan signings
Sept 2 – Newport County swooped to sign two Leicester City players on loan on deadline day.
They signed forward Nathan Opoku from the Foxes until 31 December 2025, subject to EFL approval and international clearance.
The Ghanaian-born attacker, aged 24, is an exciting prospect with a prolific collegiate record and further experience in the Belgian Pro League.
They also announced the loan signing of midfielder Sammy Braybrooke from Leicester City, joining the Exiles until December 31.
They said “At just 21 years old, Sammy is a highly regarded defensive-minded midfielder, where he graduated through Leicester’s youth ranks and represented England at U18, U19, and U20 levels.”
Exiles going backwards
Aug 30 – Newport County offered very little as they went down 2-0 to Cambridge United at the Abbey Stadium. After a poor start Cambridge edged in front with a header from centre back Watts at a corner.On 74 minutes James Brophy netted the second after a shot rebounded from the post. Anthony Glennon had Newport’s best chances but on this evidence they are heading backwards at a rate of knots.
County lose at home again
Aug 23 – Newport County ultimately came up short again today at Rodney Parade against MK Dons. After an early goal by Ogunneye (6 minutes) and a progressive first half Newport County were hit by a bizarre refereeing decision that brought an MK Dons penalty equaliser on half time from Mendez Laing. The referee gave it for a tug of a jersey prior to a corner kick. A regular occurrence. Perhaps inevitably Pattison put the MK Dons from a header at a corner after 51minuted. Referee Stuart Moreland awarded a soft penalty, this time to County but Bobby Kamwa’s poor effort bounced away from the outside of the post.
Early season thoughts
The level of anticipation before the start of the season was low. The squad seemed thin and lacking in experience and the manager untested. But expectations have been raised slightly by the endeavour shown in County’s opening matches. Two narrow defeats after the initial return from the first two games of four points has given a sense of reality to matters on the field. There have been some real positives – the goalkeeper Tzanev has been excellent and Leigh Jenkins has excelled. But there is no effective attack with a consequent lack of goals and the midfield has struggled to maintain possession or dominate even for short periods. So, a better than expected start, the team is well organised and playing for one another but there is need to more quality in defensive midfield and up front. David Hughes has promised more signings and hope he addresses these shortcomings.
County fail to fire as they lose to Salford
Aug 19 – Newport County failed to fire as they went down 1-0 at home to Salford City. The Exiles held out despite having a significant lack of possession in the first half. But after 51 minutes Salford’s dominance told Oluwu volleying Woodburn’ cross. Newport did enjoy a period of pressure after thisbut failed to take advantage of opportunities that came their way.
Late goal sinks County
Aug 16 – Newport County suffered a gut wrenching defeat as they conceded a very late goal to lose 2-1 to Grimsby after a spirited performance at Blundell Park.
The Imps took the lead after only a minute when County striker Courtney Baker Richardson turned the ball into his own net. Grimsby dominated possession in the first half but both sides had opportunities. County hit back after 55 minutes to equalise, Matt Baker hit the ball home from a Reindorf cross. Shortly afterwards Tzanev produced a fine save to deny Grimsby. Late on County put some pressure on the home team to try and snatch a late goal with attempts by Kamwa and Antwi. Grimsby also had a good chance that went over the bar before Kieran Green got the winner in the 94th minute from close range.
Millwall put Exiles out of League Cup
Aug 12 – Newport County’s hopes of a cup run in the League Cup were put to bed by Millwall at Rodney Parade. A 60th minute goal by Ryan Leonard concluded concerted efforts by the Exiles to go for the win. The first half in particular saw a number of opportunities for Newport to score but they failed to convert. Attendance – 3670
Exiles win despite late scare
Aug 9 – A battling display from Newport County saw them win at Crawley 2-1 despite conceding a late goal. Two second half goals from Kai Whitmore and Liam Shepard were enough despite a 96th minute reply from Crawley’s Anderson. The Exiles defended bravely with important contributions from Tzanev and Matt Baker, in the absence of captain James Clarke. Tzanev made a good save from Adeyemo in the first half. After 67 minutes Whitmore latched on to a Smith pass to round the goalkeeper to score. Shepard headed in two minutes later from Leigh Jenkins long throw. More heroics from Tzanev preceded Max Anderson’s late goal. But County made it home. Attendance – 3189
Shephard return boosts Exiles
Aug 6 – Newport County has confirmed the signing of Liam Shephard, who joins the club on a one-year contract, subject to EFL approval.
The 30-year‑old defender, who previously spent a season at Rodney Parade in 2020–21, returns to South Wales after recently leaving Salford City. Playing for the Exiles runs in the family also, as Father Garry Shephard made 136 appearances and scoring 47 goals from 1999 to 2005.
Manager David Hughes said “I’m delighted to welcome Liam into the squad. He’s vastly experienced, he’s an outstanding character and he’ll be an excellent addition into the changing room because of his professionalism and high standards. He definitely adds outstanding quality to the squad, so we’re really pleased to bring him in and to add more competition for places.”
Exiles draw opener after delay due to spectator emergency
Aug 2 – This afternoon’s game started an hour late due to a medical emergency in which a fan received treatment and the arrival of the air ambulance meant the stadium had to be evacuated. The Notts County fan involved is reported to be in a ‘serious but stable condition in hospital.’
When the game got under way Notts County missed a sitter after 10 minutes. Conor Grant hit the crossbar from narrow range. After 38 minutes a fine save by Tzanev turned away a Jodi Jones left footed strike. Despite a brief period of pressure from Newport before half time Notts County were dominant. However, the game turned on its head after 49 minutes when Garner nodded in Leigh Jenkins long throw to give the Exiles an unlikely lead. Unfortunately a clumsy tackle by Baker gave the away side a penalty after 66 minutes which Jones duly converted. Reindorf hit the post for the Exiles within a minute, shortly afterwards Antwi shot just wide from another Jenkins long throw. Notts County finished strongly but Newport held on for a deserved draw against promotion favourites.
Newport County manager David Hughes told BBC Sport Wales: “When you go 1-0 up at home you want to try and see the game out. What I’ve got to say is we’ve played against a very, very, very good Notts County team and you can see why they’ll be the favourites to be one of the top two or three in the league.”
Attendance – 5238.
County through on penalties in dramatic match!
July 29 – Newport County survived a stunning late comeback from Barnet, winning a penalty shootout to progress in the League Cup.
Two spectacular goals from open play gave Newport County a chance of victory at the Hive Stadium in front of 1,789 fans.A huge defensive effort and fine goalkeeping display from the Exiles seemed enough to see them home against a team who secured 76 per cent possession and had eighteen shots on goal. But two late goals from Barnet when they were out of it took the game to a penalty shoot out.
After a strong opening half an hour from Barnet Newport struck against the run of play, Cameron Antwi smashed home a superb hitch kick volley. On 43 minutes Cardiff loanee Michael Reindorf showed some neat footwork before a spectacular finish in the top of the net to make it two-nil for the Exiles. Just before half time goalkeeper Tzanev pulled off two excellent saves to deny the home side. Forward Courtney Baker-Richardson left the field injured and was replaced early in the second half by Garner. Tzanev scrambled the ball off his line after 58 minutes with Barnet in charge of possession. Despite this they created very few chances until New Zealand international Tzanev palmed away a fine effort from Brown on 76 minutes. Barnet continued to press as the inventive Idris Kanu hit the post with eight minutes to play. With a minute to play Barnet scrambled a chance and Ryan Galvin slotted home a crossed ball. Browne then headed in a 98th minute cross from Kanu to give Barnet an impossible chance.
Garner missed the first penalty in the shootout but after that Newport were flawless and Barnet missed two to give the Exiles a 4-2 advantage. They now play Millwall at home in the first round proper in two weeks time.
New era begins at Barnet
July 28 – Newport County begin their new era under David Hughes with a difficult fixture in the EFL Cup away to Barnet. Last year’s National League champions host the Exiles in the preliminary round of the EFL competition tomorrow evening. The winners host Championship side Millwall in the first round proper on August 12.
The pre-season has proved awkward for the Exiles but under Huw Jenkins they are living with their means and playing to a plan. Hopefully, new coach David Hughes will prove to be an inspired choice.
On the squad building front, 20 year old attacking midfielder Ben Lloyd has joined Newport County on loan until January from Swansea City. He will be a short term replacement for Keenan Patten who fractured his leg in the match with Bristol City. Hughes told supporters at the fans’ forum last week: “We are looking for one or two to come in and support [the squad], but they have to be right.” The view from social media is that County still need some experience particularly a defensive midfielder.
County defeat / new away kit
July 19 – The Exiles lost their latest friendly, 3-1 to Torquay United at Plainmoor today. Bobby Kamba got their only goal.
Newport County has released its away jersey for the 2025-26 season — a collaboration with La Liga outift Athletic Bilbao dedicated to refugee children.
“The red and white Athletic-inspired kit will celebrate the historical ties of friendship, humanity and generosity with the La Liga club that stretches back nearly 100 years,” the Welsh team said in a statement.During the Spanish Civil War in 1937, thousands of Basque children were evacuated from Bilbao to Britain. Out of these, 56 children found refuge in Newport.
“Many of the Children of ’37 have remained in Newport and have brought up their own families in the area as firmly part of the local community,” the club added.
The full story is here
Young Man Utd starlet joins on loan deal
July 15 – Newport County has completed the signing of promising young Manchester United defender Habeeb Ogunneye on a season-long loan, subject to EFL and international clearance.
The pacey 19-year-old right back, who has been at Old Trafford since the age of five, is expected to figure in tonight’s (Tuesday) pre-season friendly at Weston-super-Mare’s Optima Stadium (7.15pm).
Born in London, Ogunneye made the breakthrough into the club’s successful Under-18s side in 2021-22 at the age of just 15. Having worked with Ogunneye at Old Trafford as Under-21s coach, Newport County boss Dave Hughes was delighted with the acquisition: “I’m really pleased to get Habeeb on board,’’ he said. Update – County won 1-0 with a very late goal from Alexander-Walker (88 minutes)
County win at Worcester
July 13 – Newport County beat Worcester City at Sixways by a goal to nil in their latest friendly yesterday. Oliver Greaves scored the only goal of the game after 34 minutes
TV games selected / win at Undy
July 5 – Sky Sports has selected County’s home games against MK Dons and Bristol Rovers as part of their television package of live fixtures. The games will kick off at 12.30pm. Update – County won 1-0 at Undy, Anthony Glennon got the goal.
Blow for Exiles as McLoughlin leaves
July 2 – Newport County had a pre-season blow with the news that Shane McLoughlin has not renewed his contract after a one year offer from the Exiles. The Exiles said he failed to take up the option of signing “within the stipulated timeframe” and thanked him for his service to the club. In their opening preseason fixture Newport drew 1-1 with Pontypridd United
First signings for Exiles
June 16 – Newport County made their first signings of the close season by signing midfielder Matt Smith on a two year contract from St Johnstone and goalkeeper Nik Tzanev from Northampton. Smith played 60 times for St Johnstone after signing from MK Dons in 2023 but fell out of favour and was at the end of his contract there. Tzanev has two caps for New Zealand and will link up with David Hughes’ team at the end of the month having been part of the New Zealand squad for recent games against Ukraine and Ivory Coast in Canada.Club legend Norman Parselle has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) in the King’s Birthday Honours list for his outstanding service to sport and the local community. Midfielder Aaron Wildig has left Newport County and quit full-time football, taking up a player-coach role with Gloucester City. Update June 24 – James Clarke has signed on for another year and the Exiles have signed highly rated Haverfordwest Town defender Lee Jenkins. Former Aberystwyth player Jenkins has made more than 200 appearances in the Cymru Premier and was named in the league’s team of the season for 2024-25.