Ahead of Newport County’s trip to Cheltenham Town on Saturday afternoon, we take a trip down memory lane to relive some of the Exiles' most memorable opening day fixtures.
OLDHAM ATHLETIC 0-1 NEWPORT COUNTY (7TH AUGUST 2021)
Newport County kicked off the 2021-22 season with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Oldham Athletic at Boundary Park, setting a positive tone for the campaign.
The Exiles brought joy to the returning Amber Army, who were welcomed back after a season of behind-closed-doors games due to the pandemic. The atmosphere was electric as fans once again filled the stands, eager to support their team.
The decisive moment came in the final minutes when Kevin Ellison soared to meet an inch-perfect cross from Ryan Haynes, delivering a superb header to secure the win just two minutes before the final whistle.
This victory against Oldham not only provided a perfect start to the season but also ended Newport's streak of winless opening games since the 2013-14 season, making it a memorable day for the Exiles and their supporters.
NEWPORT COUNTY 4-1 ACCRINGTON STANLEY (3RD AUGUST, 2013)
The Exiles marked their return to the Football League in style with a commanding victory over Accrington Stanley on the opening day of the 2013/14 season.
This triumphant performance was particularly significant as it was the Exiles' first game back in the league following their promotion from the National League.
Harry Worley, making his debut for the club, provided an ideal start by volleying home County’s first goal in the Football League in 25 years. The momentum continued as fellow debutant Chris Zebroski doubled the lead three minutes before halftime, expertly converting a cross from Christian Jolley past Accrington’s goalkeeper, Ian Dunbavin.
Jolley himself found the back of the net in the second half, delivering a left-footed shot beyond Dunbavin just before the hour mark to put the game out of reach. County’s dominance was further cemented when Zebroski added his second goal of the match with a powerful volley, leaving Accrington with little hope of a comeback. Despite a late consolation goal from Danny Webber, the Exiles secured a comprehensive victory.
This emphatic win was the perfect start to the fourth-tier campaign for the late Justin Edinburgh’s squad, setting a positive tone for the season ahead.
MANSFIELD TOWN 3-4 NEWPORT COUNTY (11TH AUGUST, 2012)
Newport County kicked off the 2012-13 season with a thrilling 4-3 victory over Mansfield Town at the One Call Stadium, marking an exhilarating start to their campaign.
The Exiles took an early lead when Ismail Yakubu headed in Andy Sandell's expertly delivered free-kick. Just minutes later, defender Tony James doubled the advantage with a superb volley, putting County firmly in control.
Mansfield responded swiftly with two quick goals from Jake Speight and former Newport striker Matt Green, who spent two years with the club between 2005 and 2007, levelling the score in a dramatic turn of events.
Undeterred, Aaron O'Connor, County’s top scorer for the season, restored the visitors' lead with a well-placed header during an action-packed eight minutes. Jefferson Louis then extended the lead, tapping in his first goal for the club to give the Exiles some breathing space.
Mansfield continued to press, and Speight managed to score his second goal in the penultimate minute, setting up a tense finale. However, Justin Edinburgh’s men held firm, fending off Mansfield’s late surge to secure all three points.
This victory on the opening day set the tone for a successful campaign, ultimately leading to Newport County's promotion back to the Football League.