Newport County return to Sky Bet League Two action when they host Harrogate Town on Saturday afternoon (3pm).
The Exiles will be looking to bounce back following back-to-back defeats to Chesterfield and Accrington Stanley.
Pre-Match Views
Speaking ahead of tomorrow's game, Nelson Jardim said: "We’ve spoken this week and we know what we need to do tomorrow.
"Our energy and aggression levels need to be higher, especially in this league. The lads have responded well in training since, and they’ve responded well always this season.
“We knew from the beginning this season that home games are massive for us, and tomorrow is no different. I want to see a team like the one that played Gillingham tomorrow.
"A team that’s enjoying their football and competing again. If we do this we can have good games and we’ve proven that this season."
Opposition Form
Harrogate Town have endured a challenging season so far, sitting in 20th place with 40 points from 36 games.
The West Yorkshire side have struggled in front of goal, managing just 29 goals this season, the third lowest in the league. Only Tranmere Rovers (27) and Carlisle United (25) have scored fewer.
However, recent form has seen Harrogate move away from the relegation zone, with three wins and a draw in their last five matches, including victories over fellow relegation candidates Accrington Stanley and Carlisle.
One standout player for Harrogate this season has been Ellis Taylor, who quickly became a key figure since joining the club at the start of the campaign. Taylor made his debut with a brief cameo in a 2-0 defeat to Bromley on the opening day and earned his first start in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy, providing an assist in a 2-1 win over Lincoln City.
His fine form continued, and he scored Harrogate's second goal in a thrilling 3-3 draw against Accrington Stanley. So far, Taylor has made 14 appearances, scoring three goals and providing one assist.
Head-to-Head
The two sides are closely matched historically, with each team having won four times and one draw in their previous encounters.
The first win for County against Harrogate came in January, 2021, where the Exiles secured a 2-1 home victory, with goals from Padraig Amond and Brandon Cooper.
With 17 goals scored in the last five games between these teams, this fixture has been a high-scoring affair, and fans can expect more of the same.
Previous Encounter
The memorable meeting for County between the two sides came in February 2024 - the Exiles emerging 4-1 victors.
Newport's attacking players were in superb form, with Offrande Zanzala scoring a brace, Will Evans contributing a goal and two assists, and Seb Palmer-Houlden also finding the back of the net.
Shared Shirts
Saturday’s match will see a familiar face return to Rodney Parade, as Bryn Morris could make an appearance for Harrogate Town.
The midfielder left Newport in the January transfer window, making the move back north due to family reasons.
Morris, who signed a two-year deal with the Exiles in June 2023, made 78 appearances for the club, scoring 11 goals.
His most memorable moments included a stunning strike against Premier League giants Manchester United in the Emirates FA Cup last season and a hat-trick earlier this season against MK Dons.
Key Facts
- Simon Weaver has been at the helm of Harrogate Town since May 2009, making him the longest-serving manager across the top four divisions of English football.
- Newport County have lost three of their last four Football League games against Harrogate Town (L1), despite both scoring and conceding seven goals during that time.
- After losing their first two away Football League games against Newport County, Harrogate Town have since won both of their last two visits to Rodney Parade.
- Newport have lost just one of their last six home league games (W4 D1), keeping three clean sheets in the process.
- Harrogate have won three of their last five league games (D1 L1), as many victories as across their prior 15 League Two matches combined (D3 L9).
