Newport County face promotion-chasers Notts County at Rodney Parade on Saturday afternoon (3pm).
The Exiles will be aiming to bounce back after a disappointing 1-0 defeat at Grimsby Town last time out.
With the support of the passionate Amber Army, County look to continue their strong form at home, where they currently sit 6th in the League Two home table.
Pre-Match Views
Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s fixture against Notts County, Nelson Jardim said: "We expect a tough game [against Notts County]. “They’re a strong side with quality all over the pitch. They’re well-drilled, they know what they’re doing, and if you give them space and time, they can hurt you.
“It’s up to us to make it difficult for them, to impose ourselves at home. We always prepare to win, but we know it’ll be a challenge.
“Hopefully, it’ll be similar to the MK Dons game—a match full of goals, two quality teams playing positive football. That’s what we want—an enjoyable game for everyone.”
Opposition Form
Under the guidance of Stuart Maynard, Notts County has enjoyed a strong start to the 2024-25 season, sitting 6th in the table with 62 points from 38 games. Their attacking prowess has been a standout feature, with 58 goals scored – the second most in the division. They also average 1.5 goals per game, the third-best rate in the league.
However, Notts County has struggled for consistency recently, managing only two wins from their last eight matches (with three draws and three losses).
One of the main threats for Notts County continues to be 37-year-old David McGoldrick. The veteran forward, who rejoined the club in 2023 after nearly 20 years away, has netted 14 league goals this season and 27 overall since his return.
Alongside McGoldrick, Alassana Jatta has been a revelation. The Gambian forward, with 17 goals from 32 appearances, is currently joint top scorer in League Two.
Defensively, Notts County has been solid, registering the joint third-most clean sheets (14) and the joint third-fewest goals conceded per match (1.0).
Head-to-Head
Historically, Notts County holds the upper hand in the 55 meetings between the two sides, having won 28 times.
The first meeting came in 1930, when Newport suffered a 3-2 home defeat. It wasn’t until 1937 that Newport secured their first victory against the Magpies, winning 2-0 at home.
In recent years, however, the tide has turned in Newport's favour. The Exiles have won four of the last nine encounters, with two draws.
Shared Shirts
A few players have represented both clubs, with one notable name being Ciaran Brennan.
The Irish centre-back spent a brief loan spell at Notts County early in his career, playing five games before moving to Newport. Now a key player for the Exiles, Brennan recently made the switch from defence to midfield and could face his former club this weekend.
Scot Bennett is another player to have worn both shirts. The centre-back joined Newport on loan from Notts County in 2015, making 15 appearances before returning to Newport the following year. Over the next eight seasons, Bennett became a vital figure for the Exiles, making 352 appearances before his summer move to Cheltenham.
Memorable Encounter
Over the years, there have been several memorable wins for Newport against Saturday’s opponents, but none more iconic than the final game of the 2016/17 season – The Great Escape.
With Newport fighting relegation, the Exiles needed a miracle to survive, as their rivals Hartlepool were mounting a challenge to overturn League leaders Doncaster Rovers in their final match. After Mickey Demetriou's opener was canceled out by Jorge Grant, it seemed all but impossible for Newport to avoid the drop.
Then, in the dying moments of the game, defender Mark O'Brien made history. His first-ever goal for Newport, a calm chest-down and volley into the bottom corner, secured a dramatic 2-1 win. The Amber Army erupted into jubilant celebrations, and the moment will forever be etched in the club’s history books as The Great Escape.
Key Facts
- Newport County have lost just four of their last 23 home Football League games against Notts County (W13 D6), though did lose this exact fixture 3-1 last season.
- Notts County have won just two of their last eight Football League games against sides from Wales (D2 L4), failing to score in each of their last two.
- Newport have won five of their last seven home league games (D1 L1), netting exactly three goals in each of their last two.
- Notts County have won just one of their last six league games (D2 L3), though that sole victory did come in their last away match with a 2-0 success over Grimsby Town.
