As we get set to face AFC Wimbledon for our first game of 2025, we take a look back at three memorable recent matches at the beginning of past calendar years.
January 1, 2022 – Walsall 3-3 Newport County
The Exiles started 2022 with a rollercoaster 3-3 draw away at Walsall. After Dom Telford gave Newport the lead, the match erupted in a crazy second half.
Former Newport loanee Connor Wilkinson was at the heart of the drama, first scoring an own goal to hand Newport the lead before redeeming himself with a stunning equaliser in injury time.
Telford added a second goal to his tally, and Walsall also contributed with a second own goal. With all the twists and turns, the match was a wild ride, and while Newport couldn’t quite claim the win, the game showed how unpredictable and entertaining New Year's Day fixtures can be.
January 2, 2023 – Newport County 2-2 Crawley Town
A dramatic 2-2 draw with Crawley Town kicked off 2023 in thrilling fashion. Former County striker Dominic Telford scored a brace to give Crawley a 2-0 lead, and the Exiles seemed to be heading for defeat. But the Amber Army never gave up.
Matthew Dolan pulled one back with a superb header in the 83rd minute, setting the stage for a nail-biting finish. Then, in the 92nd minute, Offrande Zanzala headed home from a corner to complete an incredible comeback and secure a well-earned point for Newport.
It was a testament to the team’s never-say-die attitude and a fantastic way to begin the year.
January 6, 2019 – Newport 2-1 Leicester City (FA Cup third round)
Though it wasn’t the first game of the year, this giant-killing FA Cup victory over Leicester City is one of the most iconic moments in Newport’s recent history.
The Foxes, fresh off their Premier League title win, were knocked out by a resolute County side.
Jamille Matt’s header gave the Exiles an early lead, but Leicester responded through Rachid Ghezzal’s powerful strike. The turning point came when Marc Albrighton handled the ball in the box, and Padraig Amond stepped up to convert the resulting penalty, sending Newport to a 2-1 victory.
The win was a huge upset and highlighted Newport’s ability to rise to the occasion against top-flight opposition.
