This weekend, Newport make the long journey north to take on Barrow at Holker Street. Since their return to the Football League in 2020, The Bluebirds have been regular sparring partners, and for this week’s From the Archive, we have taken a look back at our clash with them on January 29th, 2022.
After a tough run over the Christmas period that had only seen us take one point from three games, James Rowberry got our promotion push back on track in January 2022. We welcomed Barrow to Rodney Parade at the end of the month on the back of three consecutive victories, comprising a 4-0 hammering of Harrogate Town and two impressive away performances at Scunthorpe and Leyton Orient.
The visitors, on the other hand, were on a poor run of form, having won just one of their previous seven matches, losing five and drawing one. Mark Cooper’s team found themselves sitting in 21st place, with the threat of relegation looming.
Things couldn’t have started worse for the visitors. A trademark long throw from Mickey Demetriou caused mayhem in the Barrow box, allowing Dom Telford, now plying his trade for The Bluebirds, to power a header past Paul Farman in the Barrow goal.
Just ten minutes later, things would go from bad to worse for Barrow. Finn Azaz ran through the middle of the park, finding Telford, who worked his way into the area and fired an excellent finish in the roof of the net to make it 2-0 in less than a quarter of an hour.
This also marked an historic afternoon for Telford, as he became the first Newport player in the top four leagues to net 20 goals since John Aldridge in the 1983/84 season.
While the visitors would attempt to claw their way back into the game, they were left frustrated as the clock ticked down and chances were at a premium. An unfortunate own-goal from Mickey Demetriou would give them hope in the 62nd minute, but we would hold on to secure a fourth straight victory.
The Exiles will be hoping for a similar result this Saturday when Graham Coughlan's men take on Pete Wild's Barrow. You can secure your tickets for the clash HERE.