Newport County return to Sky Bet League Two action this Saturday as they make the trip to Meadow Lane to face promotion hopefuls Notts County (12.30pm).
The Exiles will be looking to secure their seventh win of the season and end a six-match winless run, as they look to build momentum heading into the festive period.
Pre-Match Views
Speaking ahead of the fixture at Meadow Lane, Nelson Jardim said: “We have to massive games coming up - Notts County and Wimbledon away.
“They’re tough games for us, but it gives players the opportunity to step up and show what they can do.
“We have some really talented players in the squad and it’s a chance for some of them to show that.
“I’m quite confident despite the challenges ahead and confident we can cause team's problems.
“We will go into the next two games with the same style and same mentality as the last two home games.”
Opposition Form
Notts County currently sit in sixth place in the League Two standings with 27 points.
The Magpies have been impressive this season, suffering just three losses — two at home and one away. However, they were beaten 2-0 by high-flying Crewe Alexandra in their most recent outing, and manager Stuart Maynard will be eager to get back on track.
The Magpies are renowned for their possession-based style of play. Notts County lead the league in possession with an average of 64.6% per match, and they also top the charts for the most accurate passes per game (486.6). Their preference for keeping the ball on the ground is clear, as they’ve made the fewest accurate long balls in the league (18.8).
Alassana Jatta has been a standout player for Notts County, with 10 goals in 13 appearances across all competitions. The Gambian international has quickly become a key figure for the Magpies, providing a consistent source of goals alongside experienced striker David McGoldrick. Jatta even marked his international debut during the recent international break with a goal for Gambia in their victory over Comoros.
David McGoldrick, who rejoined Notts County in 2023 after nearly 20 years away, continues to show his class at 36 years old. With six league goals so far this season and 19 in total since his return, McGoldrick remains one of the division’s most lethal forwards.
Head-to-Head:
Historically, Notts County have had the upper hand over Newport County in their 54 meetings, with the Magpies winning 28 times. The first fixture between the two sides took place in 1930, when Newport lost 3-2 at home. The Exiles had to wait another seven years before securing their first victory against Notts County, winning 2-0 at home in 1937.
In recent years, however, Newport have found success in this fixture. The Exiles have won four of the last eight encounters, with one draw.
Shared Shirts
A few players have featured for both clubs over the years, with the most recent example being Ciaran Brennan. The young Irish centre-back spent a brief loan spell at Notts County early in his career, playing five games. Now with Newport County, Brennan has become a regular starter, having made 12 appearances since his summer move. He could face his former club this weekend.
Scott Bennett is another player to have represented both teams. The centre-back joined Newport on loan from Notts County in 2015, making 15 appearances before returning to the Exiles in 2016. Over the following eight years, Bennett went on to become a key figure at Newport, making 352 appearances before departing for Cheltenham this summer.
A Memorable Encounter
County fans will fondly remember a thrilling 4-1 victory at Meadow Lane in February 2019.
It was a dramatic encounter, with Newport coming from behind to claim an emphatic win. Fraser Franks opened the scoring for Newport inside the first 10 minutes, but Notts County quickly responded through Kane Hemmings.
Jamille Matt then put the Exiles back in control, scoring a quick-fire brace in the space of 20 minutes to make it 3-1. Padraig Amond added a fourth early in the second half, sealing an unforgettable victory for Newport.
Key Facts
- Out of the 54 meetings between the sides, there have only been two goalless draws (17th February 2018 and 29th March 1969).
- In the last four matches between these two teams, there has been at least three goals scored in each game (1-3, 0-3, 4-1, 3-2).
- Notts County have the lowest average for fouls committed per match in the league (9.1).
- In goal, Notts County's Alex Bass has been exceptional, leading the league for save percentage (80.8%), saves per 90 minutes (3.9), and goals prevented (3.7).