A huge battle at the bottom of League Two today, as Newport County head to Bristol Rovers.
Newport remain in the bottom two after defeat in midweek, whilst Bristol Rovers are only a point ahead of their rivals.
The outcome of this game could play a pivotal part in determining who survives the drop in the fourth tier.
State of Play
Newport County perhaps underestimated the threats of Accrington Stanley on Tuesday, who served them with a 4-1 defeat that left them still in the relegation spots.
However, what is undeniable is the tightness of the table at the bottom end: Newport could end Saturday anywhere from 24th to 20th, bottom or out of the drop zone.
The promising performances against Crewe and Chesterfield remain in the memory, but an immediate bounce back from their midweek travails is needed if they are to maintain their survival charge.
This is the first early kick-off on a Saturday for The Exiles since their 1-0 defeat to Swindon in October.
Our Opponents
Bristol Rovers were in the League Two play-off places at the end of September. Now, they face a real fight to maintain their EFL status.
15 defeats in their last 17, with just one win in that time, has left the club near the foot of the table.
With their only victory over the year coming against fellow strugglers Shrewsbury, The Pirates will be desperately seeking to win this clash.
The club has acted swiftly in the transfer market, with a few signings, including Ryan De Havilland (Peterborough United), Kofi Balmer (Motherwell), Riley Harbottle (AFC Wimbledon) and Mees Rijks (Valerenga) arriving in the winter window alone.
But there has been a lack of attacking impetus, with only three goals in 2026 – all of which came on New Year’s Day.
All three of their previous league games have ended in 1-0 defeats, and this marks the beginning of three consecutive home matches at the Memorial Ground.
What They Said
Steve Evans has now had over a month in charge, and has no intention on letting up in the race to stay afloat.
“I’ve come in to keep Bristol Rovers in the Football League. That’s the challenge and that remains the challenge up until the last day. I’m really enjoying it.
“I think it’s going to be a really tough game on Saturday. Newport are in a similar position to us and I’ve got a lot of respect for the owner, Huw Jenkins, for trying to resurrect them and their ferocious fans.
“I know what it’s like to come to Bristol Rovers as the opposition and have that atmosphere against you. I’ve felt it a lot of times.
“We know the buzz and the good feel factor it would bring if we won the game. Let’s get through Saturday and make sure we’re part of the EFL moving forward.”
Head-to-Heads
Adding to the must-win feel of the meeting, the victors will take the lead in what is a currently even head-to-head record.
Rovers won the first competitive meeting between the two in 1920, but both teams have claimed 27 wins against each other, with 17 draws throughout that time.
The Gas won 3-2 in the last meeting between these two in September, whilst this is only the fifth season the two have been in the same league since County’s EFL return in 2013.
The last time County won this fixture away from home was in 2021, when Dom Telford and Courtney Baker-Richardson helped them to a 3-1 success.
