Newport County return to Sky Bet League Two action when they make the trip to Barrow AFC tomorrow afternoon (3pm)
The Exiles head to Cumbria on the back of their midweek win against West Ham United Under-21s in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy. Substitute Oliver Greaves scored the decisive goal to earn County their first three points in Group H of the competitions group stages.
The trip to the SO Legal Stadium follows two consecutive league defeats for Nelson Jardim’s side, but Newport County will be eager to carry the momentum from their midweek performance into Saturday’s clash with the Bluebirds.
Despite recent setbacks, County remain in 10th place, and a victory over 3rd-placed Barrow could move County back into the play-off positions.
Opposition Form
The Bluebirds have made a blistering start to the season, sitting just two points behind league leaders Notts County. With five wins, one draw, and only one loss, they’ve emerged as one of the strongest teams in the division.
Scoring hasn’t been an issue for Barrow, who have netted nine goals in their six league matches. Set pieces have been a major weapon at their disposal, with four of those nine goals coming from dead-ball situations.
Newport County fans will recognise a familiar face in Barrow’s midfield: Sam Foley. The former Exiles player, who was instrumental in Newport's promotion to the Conference Premier Division, has been a standout for Barrow this season. Foley attributes the team's strong start to the positive dressing room culture.
Summer signing Ben Jackson has also shone for Barrow, contributing five goal involvements (one goal and four assists) in nine games. The young left-back was pivotal in Barrow’s recent 2-1 away victory over Grimsby Town, providing two assists and earning the Man of the Match award.
Head-to-Head
Historically, Barrow have had the upper hand in this fixture, winning seven of the last 14 meetings. Newport have claimed victory in five of those encounters, while two matches have ended in a draw. Last season, County failed to beat Barrow, suffering a 1-0 defeat away and securing a 1-1 draw at Rodney Parade.
Previous meeting
In February 2023, Newport County secured a memorable last-minute away victory over Barrow, thanks to a dramatic injury-time winner. Long-time servant Mickey Demetriou delivered the decisive blow, heading home in the dying moments to seal all three points for the Exiles.
The goal came after a superb cross from former County left-back Adam Lewis, whose pinpoint delivery found Demetriou, who directed a powerful header into the bottom right corner. The late goal sent the traveling Amber Army into wild celebrations, etching the win into County's history.
Shared Shirts
There are a handful of players that have donned the shirts of both Newport County and Barrow. Former exile Offrande Zanzala has links to the Bluebirds, having spent time with the club during the 2021-22 campaign, where he scored three times in 19 appearances.
Another player who has represented both clubs is no other than Dom Telford (pictured). The former County forward, who joined the club in January 2021, went on to have a prolific goalscoring spell, scoring 26 times in 52 games. After surpassing 20 league goals during the 2021-22 campaign, Telford became the first Newport player to hit this target in the top four divisions since John Aldridge in the 1983–84 season.
Pre-match facts
- Barrow have won six of their last seven Football League home matches against Newport County, with their only defeat being a 1-0 loss in February 2023.
- Newport County have managed just one clean sheet in their last 18 Football League encounters with Barrow, including a 1-0 loss in this exact fixture last season.
- Barrow have suffered only four defeats in their last 26 home league games (W13 D9), keeping 13 clean sheets during this impressive run.
- Newport County have lost six of their last seven away league fixtures (W1), conceding a total of 15 goals in that span.
