Newport County return to Sky Bet League Two action on Saturday afternoon as they host Barrow at Rodney Parade (3pm).
After a hard-fought draw against Salford on Tuesday, the Exiles will be eager to build on their performance and take all three points against the Bluebirds.
Opposition Form
Barrow made a promising start to the season, even finding themselves in the promotion race early on. When Newport County last visited Cumbria, the Bluebirds were in third place, but their form has since dipped. They currently sit 18th in the table, a slump that led to the sacking of manager Stephen Clemence.
On January 20, Andy Whing took over as head coach. His reign has brought mixed results—winning one and losing one in his first two games. Whing’s debut saw a resounding 3-0 win over Grimsby Town at home, but a tough defeat to promotion hopefuls Doncaster Rovers followed.
One player who has been in fine form for Barrow is striker Emile Acquah, who has netted six goals in 25 appearances, including a recent strike against Doncaster.
A Previous Encounter
A memorable win against the Bluebirds came in February 2023 which ended in dramatic fashion, with Mickey Demetriou scoring a last-minute winner to seal a 2-1 victory.
After a superb cross from former left-back Adam Lewis, Demetriou powered home a header in injury time, sparking wild celebrations among the travelling Amber Army.
Head-to-Head
Historically, Barrow have had the edge in this fixture, winning eight of the last 15 encounters. Newport have won five times, while two matches have ended in a draw. Last season, the Exiles struggled against the Bluebirds, suffering a 1-0 defeat away and drawing 1-1 at home.
Earlier this season, County were beaten 2-0 at Barrow and will be eager to make amends in front of their home supporters.
Shared Players
There have been a few players who have represented both clubs over the years. Offrande Zanzala, who played for Barrow in the 2021-22 season, has links to both teams.
Another notable player is Dom Telford, who enjoyed a prolific spell with Newport after joining in January 2021.
Telford scored 26 goals in 52 appearances for the Exiles, including surpassing 20 league goals in the 2021-22 season - a feat not achieved by a Newport player in the top four divisions since John Aldridge in 1984.
Meet The Officials
Scott Tallis will be the man in the middle for Newport County's League Two fixture against Barrow AFC.
The established official is a regular at League One and League Two level, and will officiate his first County match of the season.
Read more about his officiating team HERE.
Key Facts
- Newport County have lost just two of their last 11 home league games against Barrow (W7 D2), averaging 2.2 goals per game during that stretch.
- Barrow have won their last two Football League encounters with Newport and could secure three consecutive victories against the Exiles for the first time since 1971.
- Newport have lost their last two home league games 2-1 and could suffer three successive home defeats for the first time this season.
- Barrow are without a win in their last ten away league games (D3 L7), failing to score in seven of those matches.
