As the Exiles prepare for a trip to Prenton Park on Saturday afternoon, we take a look back at our first and last win against Rovers in years gone by.
County faced Tranmere Rovers for the first time in the club’s history back in March 1959, during County's 31st season in the Football League.
Under the stewardship of Billy Lucas, the Exiles had endured a difficult start to the year, winning just one of their previous nine league games. Their only victory of 1959 had come in a 3-1 win over Swindon Town.
The match, played at Somerton Park in front of 4,933 fans, proved to be the perfect tonic as County returned to winning ways with a fantastic 3-0 victory. Goals from John Rowland, Barrie Meyer, and Bryn Jones secured the win, lifting the spirits of both players and fans alike.
That season, striker Ken McPherson finished as the club's top scorer, netting 19 goals across all competitions. His contributions helped propel County to a solid 17th-place finish, one spot above Welsh rivals Wrexham.
Away from league action, the 1958-59 campaign was also positive for County in the FA Cup. Victories over Wisbech Town, Hereford United, and Torquay United saw them reach the fourth round, where they were eventually knocked out by a strong Tottenham Hotspur side.
Our most recent victory with Rovers came back in March 2023, in which County recorded a 3-1 win at Prenton Park.
Despite the home side enjoying the majority of possession early on, it was Newport who struck first after 25 minutes when Aaron Wildig reacted quickly to poke the ball home from close range.
With the Exiles without a win in five matches, they doubled their advantage just five minutes later. Charlie McNeill capitalised on a fortunate rebound, steering the ball home from six yards out to make it 2-0.
County nearly made it three before the break, but Omar Bogle’s effort from a tight angle narrowly missed the target, with Tranmere keeper Joe Murphy beaten.
Tranmere looked more dangerous in the second half, with Tom Davies and Jake Burton both going close to pulling one back. Joel Mumbongo also had a golden opportunity but blazed over from close range with only the goalkeeper to beat.
However, County sealed the victory with eight minutes remaining. Substitute Calum Kavanagh kept his cool to slot home and make it 3-0. Although Regan Hendry grabbed a late consolation goal for Rovers in injury time, County had already secured the three points.
