Newport County return to action this Saturday afternoon (3pm) as they travel to Cledara Abbey Stadium to face Cambridge United for their next Sky Bet League Two clash.
The Exiles head into this fixture following a 2-1 defeat at home to MK Dons. Up against a side that recently returned to League Two upon their relegation from League One, Newport County’s challenging start to the season continues as they look to turn their form around.
Opposition Focus
Cambridge United currently sit 13th in the table with two wins, one draw and two defeats from their opening five games. The U’s have both scored and conceded six goals, reflecting a steady if unspectacular start. Their victories came against Cheltenham Town (1-0) and Colchester United (2-1), while defeats on the road to Swindon Town (3-2) and Bristol Rovers (1-0) highlighted areas to improve away from home. Encouragingly, Cambridge remain unbeaten at the Abbey, where they most recently produced an eye-catching 3-1 win over Championship side Charlton Athletic.
Last season, the U’s were managed by former Swansea City and Leeds United boss Gary Monk, but a poor run of results left the club in a relegation fight. He was replaced by Neil Harris with 15 games to play, though Harris was unable to turn things around and Cambridge finished 23rd, suffering the drop.
Over the summer, Harris oversaw a busy rebuild. Notable arrivals included Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu, who famously became the first player to rise from non-league to the Premier League with the same club at Luton Town, and midfielder Shane McLoughlin, who joined after two strong seasons at Newport County. Both have added much-needed quality and experience as Cambridge look to stabilise and push on this season.
Head-to-Head
Newport County and Cambridge United have faced off on 23 separate occasions with both sides winning nine and the remaining five ending as draws. The two sides first met in the Blue Square Premier (now known as the National League) in the 2010-11 season as the Exiles came away with the 1-0 victory thanks to an early goal from Jamie Collins.
In recent years there have been a mix of result as neither side seems to be the more superior of the two. Saturday afternoon’s match will be the first time the two sides have met since the 2020-21 season where the U’s did the double over the Exiles, coming away with 2-1 and 1-0 victories.
Memorable Encounter
One of the most memorable meetings between the two clubs came in the first round of the 2018–19 Carabao Cup, when Newport County ran out 4-1 winners.
The Exiles made a blistering start, with Padraig Amond striking twice in quick succession on 18 and 22 minutes to give his side control. Jamille Matt then added a third just after half-time, all but ending any hopes of a Cambridge fightback.
The night, however, is perhaps best remembered for a young Antoine Semenyo. Introduced from the bench, the teenager scored his first professional goal in the 86th minute, a landmark moment in the career of a player who has since gone on to become one of the Premier League’s brightest talents. Cambridge did grab a consolation in stoppage time, as Adebayo Azeez (a player who would join the Exiles in the following January) converted a penalty past Nick Townsend, but it was County’s rising star who stole the headlines.
Shared Shirts
Current Newport County assistant manager Wayne Hatswell enjoyed spells with both clubs during his playing career. The defender joined Cambridge United in the January transfer window of the 2007–08 season for a fee of £20,000, making 83 appearances before leaving for a player-coach role with Irish side Dundalk.
After a year in Ireland, Hatswell returned to the English Leagues with Newport County, again combining playing duties with coaching, and was part of the Exiles squad that reached the 2012 FA Trophy Final at Wembley. He has since gone on to carve out a respected coaching career, leading to his current role as assistant manager at Rodney Parade.
Mickey Demetriou is another player to have represented both Cambridge United and Newport County. The defender spent the 2015–16 season on loan with the U’s, making 18 appearances in all competitions and providing two assists.
He joined Newport the following year on a free transfer and went on to establish himself as a club legend. Over seven seasons in South Wales, Demetriou made more than 300 appearances, placing him among the Exiles’ record appearance holders.
After leaving Rodney Parade three years ago, he has continued his career with Crewe Alexandra, where he remains a dependable figure at the back. Notably having a season where he scored a staggering 10 goals from centre back.