Newport County return to Sky Bet League Two action as they host in-form Crewe Alexandra tomorrow afternoon (3pm)
The Exiles take on the Railwaymen at Rodney Parade as they look to bounce back from their recent 2-0 away defeat to league leaders Barrow and get their season back on track.
This match marks the start of a crucial run of back-to-back home games for County, with Crewe and Salford City making the journey to South Wales in the space of four days.
A victory this weekend could see the Exiles climb back into the top ten, having dropped to 14th after last weekend’s defeat in Cumbria.
Pre-match Views
Speaking ahead of tomorrow's fixture, Nelson Jardim said: “We need a win tomorrow, everyone knows that.
“We have back-to-back home games now which is nice and It’s all about showing a reaction and improvement.
“The fans have shown how good their support can be so far this season. When you play at home, it’s a different feeling and they can really be the 12th man.
“The players do feel the support from the fans every game but particularly at home. They feel their energy and they know much they help the team.”
Opposition Form
Crewe Alexandra, currently 7th in the League Two play-off places, are enjoying a strong start to the new League Two season. Unbeaten in their last five matches, Crewe have amassed 13 points from their opening seven games.
Known for their defensive solidity, the Alex have kept four clean sheets - the second-highest in the league - but have been less prolific in attack, averaging just one goal per game, the third-lowest in the division.
A key figure in Crewe’s attack has been experienced striker Kane Hemmings, who has scored 40% of the team’s goals this season, including a brace in their recent 3-0 victory over Harrogate Town. Another player to watch is summer signing Jack Lancaster, who has been involved in three goals so far this season, with two assists also in the win against Harrogate.
Meet The Officials
Alan Young will be the man in the middle for Saturday’s League Two fixture against Crewe Alexandra. You can find out more about Young and his officiating team HERE.
Head-to-Head
Historically, Newport County have had a slight edge over Crewe Alexandra, with 15 wins dating back to their first meeting in 1962 - a 5-1 victory for the Exiles. Crewe are close behind with 14 wins, while the two sides have shared the spoils 16 times. Their most recent encounter ended in a 1-1 draw back in December 2023.
Read about County's first-ever home and away win against the Railwaymen HERE.
Shared Shirts
Several players have worn the colours of both Newport County and Crewe Alexandra over the years. Among them is Micky Demetriou, a former County legend now anchoring the Crewe defence. Demetriou, who scored 10 goals from centre-back last season, made over 300 appearances for Newport during a six-year stint.
Omar Bogle is another familiar face, having scored 27 goals in 86 appearances for Newport before moving to Crewe last summer. Current County striker Courtney Baker-Richardson will also face his former club, having netted 18 goals over two seasons for Crewe.
A Previous Encounter
In August 2019, Newport County secured a thrilling win over Crewe Alexandra at Rodney Parade. Irish striker Padraig Amond struck the winning goal in injury-time, when he composedly tucked home Tristan Abrahams squared ball across the box.
The win against the Railwaymen marked County's first win of the 2019-20 campaign under then-manager Michael Flynn.
Key Facts
- This Saturday marks Lee Bell's 100th game as Crewe Alexandra manager.
- The last goalless draw between these two sides came in 1973 when Crewe held Newport to a 0-0 stalemate.
- Crewe have the lowest average of shots on target per match in the league (3.0).
- Newport County are unbeaten in their last four home league games against Crewe Alexandra (W2, D2) since a 2-1 defeat in March 2018.
- Crewe are unbeaten in their last three Football League games against Newport (W1, D2) and will be aiming to go four unbeaten against the Welsh side for the first time since 1977.
- Newport have lost 12 of their last 15 league games (W3), conceding two or more goals in nine of those defeats.
- Crewe have won their last four league games and are aiming to win five consecutive Football League matches for the first time since February 1995.
