Newport County return to league action tonight as they host Carlisle United at Rodney Parade (7.45pm).
The Exiles come into the match on the back of an impressive four-game unbeaten streak, with three wins and one draw, and will be eager to build on that form in front of their home fans.
Opposition Form
Carlisle United’s season has been a difficult one, with the Cumbrians currently sitting bottom of the league after 29 matches. They’ve won just five, drawn six, and suffered 18 defeats.
Statistically, Carlisle’s struggles are evident—they rank second-bottom for both goals per game (0.8) and goals conceded per game (1.7), while keeping a clean sheet only six times this season.
After the departure of manager Mike Williamson, Mark Hughes took charge at Brunton Park. The former Welsh international brings a wealth of experience with close to 700 games as a manager. Despite a tough season for the team, one player who has stood out is Sam Lavelle.
The Scottish centre-back has been a key figure in Carlisle’s defence and has also contributed significantly to their attack, scoring four goals and providing one assist, accounting for 22% of their total goals.
Head-to-Head
Newport County currently has the upper hand in this fixture, with 11 wins, 9 draws, and 8 losses in the head-to-head against Carlisle. The Exiles’ home record against the Cumbrians is also dominant, with Carlisle failing to win any of their last nine league visits to Rodney Parade.
The first-ever meeting between the two clubs came in 1963, when Carlisle triumphed 4-1 at Somerton Park.
Shared Shirts
A notable player who has played for both clubs is Tristan Abrahams. The forward made an immediate impact after joining Newport County in 2019, scoring his first goal in a 3-1 win over Gillingham in the EFL Cup.
Abrahams’ best moment at Newport came in November 2019 when he netted a hat-trick in a 7-4 victory over Cheltenham Town in the EFL Trophy. He was named Newport's Young Player of the Year for the 2019–20 season and went on to score key goals for the Exiles in cup competitions, including in victories over Watford and Newcastle United.
In February 2021, Abrahams returned to Leyton Orient on loan and, after leaving Newport at the end of his contract, joined Carlisle United in June 2021 on a two-year deal.
Memorable Encounter
One of Newport County's standout victories over Carlisle came in March 2022, when they secured a 2-1 win at Brunton Park.
Despite Carlisle’s strong form heading into the match—having won four consecutive games—the Exiles rose to the occasion with two brilliant goals. Mickey Demetriou opened the scoring in the 15th minute, heading home from a set-piece. Finn Azaz then doubled the lead just after the hour mark with a confident finish to make it 2-0.
Carlisle mounted a late comeback, with Omari Patrick pulling one back in the 80th minute, but Newport held firm to secure the three points. The win helped Newport stay in the top three of League Two at the time, while the loss was a blow for Carlisle, who dropped to 18th in the league.
Key Facts
- Newport County have won just one of their last seven league games against Carlisle United (D3 L3), conceding 2+ goals in each loss during that time.
- Carlisle United are winless across their last nine away Football League games against Newport County since a 2-1 victory in April 1988 (D4 L5).
- Newport County have won both of their last two home league games, last winning three in succession in May 2021.
- Carlisle have failed to win any of their last 11 away Football League games against Welsh sides (D4 L7) since beating Wrexham 1-0 in August 2005.
