Newport County return to League Two action as they host AFC Wimbledon on Thursday night (7.45pm).
The Exiles will be looking to return to winning ways after back-to-back festive defeats to Bromley and league leaders, Walsall.
Opposition Form
Wimbledon are in fine form this season with the Dons currently sat in 6th place with 37 points. Johnnie Jackson’s side have scored 33 goals this campaign with striker Matt Stevens contributing heavily to that tally.
Stevens has been a standout performer this season with his goalscoring ability firing Wimbledon up the league table with 10 goals in 20 matches. His devastating finishing has led to him having the third highest goal per game ratio in League Two (0.67) and he will certainly be a player that the Exiles will be looking to keep quiet.
In their most recent league outing, Wimbledon defeated Play-off rivals Gillingham 1-0 at Cherry Red Records Stadium.
Shared Shirts
A number of player have played for both clubs over the years, with one of them being Fraser Franks.
The defender made 28 appearances for Wimbledon and went on to have two spells at the Exiles. In 2012, Franks was loaned to Newport County, where he made one appearance before injury problems continued to plague his career.
He later rejoined Newport in 2018, after several years away, and contributed to the team’s FA Cup run. Franks captained Newport in their famous 2–1 victory over Leicester City in the third round of the FA Cup in January 2019. Sadly, his playing career was cut short that same year due to a heart issue, but his contributions were important for both clubs during his time at each.
Shane McLoughlin is another current County player who has represented both clubs. The 27-year-old joined AFC Wimbledon in January 2019 on an 18-month deal, having previously played for the likes of Wealdstone. In July of 2023, McLoughlin joined Newport County and he continues to be a key part of Nelson Jardim’s squad.
Meet The Officials
Will Finnie will be the man in the middle when Newport County host AFC Wimbledon.
The experienced EFL official is regular at Championship, League One and League Two level, and will officiate his first County match of the season.
Read more about Finnie and his officiating team HERE.
Last Time Out
The last time both County and the Dons met was back in December. After trailing by two goals, the Exiles mounted a spitted comeback, with a stoppage time penalty from Shane McLoughlin earning a point on the road.
Key Facts
- Newport County are unbeaten across their last five Football League games against AFC Wimbledon (W1 D4), since a 1-0 defeat in May 2016.
- AFC Wimbledon have won just one of their five away Football League games against Newport County (D3 L1), with each of their last three such matches finishing level.
- Newport have drawn each of their last five opening Football League games of a calendar year in succession since a 1-0 loss to Stevenage in 2019.
- AFC Wimbledon have failed to win any of their last six opening Football League games of a calendar year (D2 L4), since a 2-0 win against Southend in 2018.
