Newport County will look to make it seven games unbeaten when they host Cheltenham Town on Saturday afternoon (3pm).
After already being beaten twice this season by former County boss, Michael Flynn, the Exiles will be looking for revenge in the home League Two fixture.
Pre-Match Views
Speaking ahead of tomorrow's game, Nelson Jardim said: "We are close in terms of position, points and goals scored, but I think we’ve conceded three or four more, which is probably the only difference right now.
“It should be a good game - a proper League Two fixture and hopefully we can get the win in front of the home supporters.”
Opposition Form
Following their relegation from League One in the summer the Robins have had a steady season under the guise of Flynn. After 30 games played Cheltenham Town have picked up 31 points (11 wins, 11 defeats and 8 draws) and are one place above the Exiles in 14th.
One player who has been a key member of the Robins squad is centre half, Sam Stubbs. The on-loan defender has been a huge part of the Cheltenham backline as he has started 26 times and has topped the stats for aerial duels won and defensive actions when compared to similar players.
Another standout player for Saturday's visitors is winger Ethan Archer, who has appeared in every one of Cheltenham’s League Two matches this season (26 starts and four appearances from the bench).
Archer gained recognition last year playing for Torquay United in the National League South but made the leap to League Two this summer by joining the Robins. He has quickly adjusted to EFL football, showcasing his talent with 10 goals contributions so far in all competitions (six goals and four assists).
Shared shirts
Alongside former manager, Michael Flynn, there will also be a number of familiar faces returning to NP19.
Ex-Exiles shot stopper, Joe Day, will be returning to Rodney Parade on Saturday afternoon following three spells and 305 appearances at the club. The goalkeepers first spell at the club was a short four month loan from Peterborough in 2014. He returned back to the Posh for a month before becoming a permanent fixture in net for the Amber Army in the January window where he stayed up until 2019.
His most recent spell for Newport County came in 2021 where he stayed for another two seasons before embarking on two loan spells (Woking and Yeovil Town) before leaving permanently to Cheltenham Town in the summer of 2024. Day has had a great start to life at the Robins and even provided an assist for striker Matt Taylor in their most recent game (3-2 victory against Barrow).
Another player who has been a key player in Amber and Black to now joining the red and white of Cheltenham is Scot Bennett. Similar to Day, Bennett initially joined the Exiles on a three month loan back in 2015 making 15 appearances.
After a loan spell at York City, Bennett left Notts County in July of 2016 to rejoin the Exiles on a free transfer and would be a mainstay at NP19 for eight years making 352 appearances. He joined the Robins in the summer and has made 25 appearances so far this season.
A memorable encounter
The Exiles have had many exciting fixtures against Cheltenham but one that will be fairly fresh in the memory of fans will be a home victory back in 2021.
County’s last league win against the Robins came in October 2021 as we ran out victors in a 1-0 win. A well struck goal within four minutes by Joss Labadie was the difference as Michael Flynn’s Exiles overcame Michael Duff’s Robins.
Head-to-Head
Both sides currently share the spoils in this fixture with six wins each and eight draws in all appearances. Therefore Saturday’s game can tip the bragging rights in favour of one of these sides.
There has only been one match in this fixture that has ended goalless and the highest scoring match saw 11 goals as Newport beat Cheltenham 7-4 in 2019 in the EFL Trophy.
Key stats
- Newport County have lost just one of their last five Football League games against Cheltenham Town (W2 D2), with both wins coming on home soil during that time.
- After winning the reverse fixture 3-2 in August last year, Cheltenham Town will be looking to complete a first ever Football League double over Newport County.
- Newport have kept three clean sheets in a row in League Two and could keep four in succession in the EFL for the first time since May 2021.
- Cheltenham have failed to win any of their last seven away league games (D4 L3), since defeating Carlisle Untied 1-0 in late October last year.
