As Newport County prepare to take on Bromley on Tuesday night, we recall a memorable campaign which saw County produce a league double over the Ravens.
The history between Newport County and Bromley dates back to 2007, with only seven meetings taking place between the two sides since then. The first-ever fixture was in South London, where County fought to a 2-2 draw in the Conference South.
The 2009-10 campaign marked the beginning of an unforgettable journey for Newport County. The Exiles kicked off the season with an incredible 13-game unbeaten run, which included 9 wins and 4 draws, sending them soaring to the top of the table.
The first meeting between the two clubs that season took place on November 15, 2009, at Spytty Park, the Exiles' former home.
Newport entered the match full of confidence after a hard-fought 2-1 win at Dover Athletic, with Craig Reid scoring both goals. On the day, County secured a 2-0 win, extending their lead at the top of the table. However, the result was not sealed until the final minute, with the second goal coming late in the game.
County started the match strongly, forcing three corners in the first four minutes, one of which saw Gareth A. Williams make a one-handed save. Newport's Danny Rose also tested the Bromley keeper, forcing a good save on 16 minutes, and moments later, Rob Gillman nearly capitalised on a goalkeeping error, winning a corner.
The breakthrough came on 61 minutes when a Bromley clearance was intercepted, and from the resulting cross, Rose volleyed home from close range, leaving goalkeeper Gareth Williams with no chance.
Newport sealed the victory late on when substitute Kerry Morgan added a second, heading home from a similar position to the first goal.
Despite a late flurry from Bromley, which included a dipping cross-shot that just missed the target, County held firm to secure a vital win.
The return fixture in January 2010 saw Newport County further strengthen their grip on the top spot in the Conference South with a superb 3-2 victory at Bromley.
This win pushed their lead to a commanding 17 points, with a game in hand over second-placed Woking and two fewer matches than Dover and Chelmsford.
Despite a brief lapse in the match, which saw them concede two quick goals, Newport were exceptional throughout. Sam Foley was outstanding, displaying remarkable versatility by playing in four different positions and scoring a crucial goal. Craig Reid also impressed, and Danny Rose, returning to full fitness after injury, was a constant threat.
After Paul Cochlin gave County the lead with a first-half header, Newport continued to dominate. Foley hit the post, and Bromley’s goalkeeper, Gareth Williams, was kept busy, making several key saves.
In a tense period of play, Kerry Morgan was unlucky to see a rising shot from a right-wing cross sail over the bar, and Reid’s cheeky chip just failed to find the net.
However, Newport finally extended their lead after a fourth chance in four minutes. Morgan sent Foley clear with a brilliant ball, and after two superb saves from Williams, Charlie Henry pounced on the rebound to make it 2-0.
Bromley fought back, with two goals of their own inside two minutes, the former seeing Ryan Hall slot home the equaliser after a defensive mix-up in the 64th minute.
But County regained the lead within minutes, as Foley capitalised on an error by Bromley’s Wes Daly, firing a fierce shot past Williams from the edge of the box to make it 3-2.
The Exiles sealed the win late on, with a dominant display ensuring they took all three points.
Under the guidance of manager Dean Holdsworth, Newport County went top of the league in September 2009 and remained there for the rest of the season. The league title was secured in March 2010 with a 2-0 victory over Havant and Waterlooville at Spytty Park, with seven games still to play.
County finished the season with a Conference South record of 103 points, 28 clear of nearest rivals Dover Athletic. Craig Reid ended the season as the league's top scorer with 24 goals, and the club made history as the first team in the English football leagues to achieve promotion in the 2009-10 season.
