Ahead of our matchup with Doncaster Rovers this weekend, we delve in the archives to bring you memories of past County successes.
McPHERSON AT THE DOUBLE
Our first-ever competitive league meeting with Doncaster Rovers came on November 1, 1958, at Somerton Park, and it was a memorable one for Newport County.
A brilliant brace from Ken McPherson, alongside a goal from inside forward Les Graham, helped the Exiles secure a 3-1 victory in front of 7,316 supporters.
This win was County’s fourth in six league matches and marked a significant achievement in what would continue a real positive run of form.
McPherson, who had joined Newport County earlier in 1958, went on to make 128 league appearances and scored 51 goals for the club. His success with County saw him move to Swindon Town in 1961, where he continued his professional career, making 107 appearances between 1961 and 1965.
FIVE STAR COUNTY
April 1973 saw County’s first-ever victory at Doncaster’s Belle Vue, and it was one for the history books.
A thrilling 5-1 triumph over Maurice Setters’ men was a display of pure attacking brilliance. Goals from Graham Coldrick, Dai Jones, Willie Screen, Len Hill, and the ever-reliable Willie Brown ensured County returned to Newport with all three points.
Willie Brown, who had joined the club for a modest fee of £1,500 in 1970, finished the season as the club’s top scorer with 24 goals across all competitions. His performance that season helped County to a fifth-place finish, narrowly missing out on promotion to the Third Division.
Over the course of his career at County, Brown netted 50 goals in 168 league appearances, solidifying his place as one of the club’s all-time greats.
A SECOND HALF COMEBACK WIN
Fast forward to recent years, and Newport County once again showcased their resilience in a dramatic comeback victory at Doncaster in April 2023.
After falling behind to a 12th-minute strike from Kyle Hurst, who benefitted from a deflection, County fought back in sensational fashion.
Omar Bogle went close on a couple of occasions, but it was Priestley Farquharson who brought the Exiles level, heading home Mickey Demetriou’s long throw.
Aaron Wildig’s stunning 20-yard strike off the post gave Newport the lead, and Cameron Norman sealed the victory with a close-range finish to complete a 3-1 win.
This important victory saw County leapfrog Doncaster into 14th place in League Two, with Rovers suffering a seventh defeat in their last nine games.
LATE DRAMA
One of the most recent thrilling moments in our history against Doncaster came in dramatic fashion, as Seb Palmer-Houlden struck in the third minute of added time to secure a last-gasp victory at the Eco-Power Stadium.
With the game seemingly headed for a goalless draw, a dangerous low cross from Lewis Payne found the Bristol City loanee, Palmer-Houlden, who calmly swept the ball into the back of the net to give County all three points.
Rovers had come close on multiple occasions, with Joe Ironside’s volley being tipped onto the bar by County’s goalkeeper Nick Townsend, and debutant Billy Waters and Luke Molyneux both being denied by some crucial saves.
But it was the last-minute strike from Palmer-Houlden that stole the headlines and earned Newport a vital win.
