Here are the key talking points from Newport County’s 2-2 draw to Barnet, where the Exiles prevailed 4-2 on penalties to progress to the first round of the Carabao Cup.
Rocketmen: Antwi and Reindorf Strike!
With 31 minutes gone, it was Cameron Antwi who broke the deadlock with a Di Canio-esque volley from outside the box. His first-time strike caught the entire stadium off guard, including Barnet’s Joe Wright, who had no time to react as the ball flew into the net. Antwi, eyeing progression in his second season with the Exiles, has already matched last season’s goalscoring tally—after just one match.
However, it was debutant Michael Reindorf who stole the headlines with a moment of pure quality. The Cardiff City loanee embarked on a dazzling solo run before unleashing a stunning long-range strike that soared into the top corner, leaving jaws on the floor across the ground. After making such an immediate impact, Reindorf will be eager to build on this performance as he continues to showcase his exciting potential and what he can bring to the side moving forward.
Cat-Like Tzanev
New shot-stopper Nik Tzanev delivered an impressive debut performance for the Exiles. The New Zealand international made six crucial saves throughout the match, including a decisive stop in the penalty shootout that handed Newport the advantage. With the challenge of replacing departed fan-favourite Nick Townsend, Tzanev rose to the occasion and immediately won over the Amber Army with a Player of the Match-worthy display.
Debut Day!
Reindorf and Tzanev were just two of five debutants who featured for the Exiles in last night’s season opener. Welsh midfielders Matt Smith and Ben Lloyd both started in the centre of the park, with Lloyd’s arrival confirmed just a day before kick-off. The 20-year-old wasted no time settling in, showing his defensive instincts and tenacity by making a match-high four tackles.
In defence, Lee Jenkins was the only debutant in the Exiles’ backline and another example of the club’s commitment to providing opportunities for talent from the Welsh domestic leagues. Despite Barnet’s two late goals, Jenkins impressed with a composed and intelligent display, and even chipped in at the other end with a smart headed assist for Antwi’s opener.
After an early injury to Courtney Baker-Richardson, summer signing Ged Garner was handed his first minutes in a Newport shirt. The forward bravely stepped up to take the first penalty in the shootout, but saw his effort saved. Still, Garner will be determined to show the Amber Army what he can bring as the season progresses.
Exiles Hold Nerve in Shootout Drama
After holding a 2-0 lead for the majority of the match, Newport were punished for a late lapse in concentration as Barnet mounted a dramatic comeback. Ryan Galvin pulled one back with a well-placed header, and less than two minutes later, Rhys Browne found the equaliser to take the game to penalties.
Ged Garner was first up in the shootout but saw his effort saved, giving Barnet the early advantage as they converted their opening two spot-kicks. However, the hosts faltered—hitting the post before Nik Tzanev came up with a crucial save to swing momentum back in County’s favour. It was Cam Evans who stepped up to fire home the winning penalty, sealing a dramatic win and capping off an incredible night at The Hive.
The victory also marked the end of Newport County’s shootout struggles, having lost each of their previous four. This time, the Exiles held their nerve when it mattered most.
Millwall Awaits!
With victory over Barnet secured, Newport County now turn their attention to an exciting tie against Championship side Millwall in the next round. The Exiles will host the Lions at Rodney Parade on Tuesday 12th August, with kick-off at 7:45pm. It’s a fixture that promises plenty of drama—and with memorable cup upsets over the likes of Leicester City, Leeds United, and Middlesbrough in recent years, County have shown time and again that anything is possible under the lights in South Wales.