Newport County return to action this Saturday afternoon (3pm) as they travel to Prenton Park to face Tranmere Rovers for their next Sky Bet League Two clash.
The Exiles head into this fixture on the back of a narrow 3-2 home defeat to Bristol Rovers. Their opponents, Tranmere Rovers, are aiming to build on last season’s 20th-place finish in League Two and currently sit 14th in the table with eight points.
Opposition Focus
Tranmere currently hold a record of two wins, two draws, and two defeats this season. Goals have not been hard to come by for the Rovers, with 10 scored so far and at least one netted in every match. Defensively, they have also been solid, conceding just seven goals to date. Their two victories came in emphatic fashion—a 4-0 triumph over Shrewsbury Town and a 2-0 win against Crawley Town. However, their form has dipped slightly in recent weeks, with back-to-back league defeats before earning a draw at home to Nottingham Forest’s U21s, eventually prevailing 9-8 on penalties.
Last season began under the guidance of former Premier League manager Nigel Adkins, but a 10-game winless run in the league saw his dismissal. His assistant, Andy Crosby, stepped in as caretaker and successfully steered the Rovers clear of the relegation zone. Crosby’s impact earned him the role on a permanent basis at the start of this season.
Backed to build on that positive momentum, Crosby reshaped his squad over the summer. Former Everton academy graduate Charlie Whitaker has quickly impressed since arriving from Notts County, contributing one goal and two assists from midfield. Meanwhile, Nathan Smith—who made over 400 appearances during more than a decade with Port Vale—has reunited with his former head coach and brought valuable experience to Tranmere’s backline.
Head-to-Head
Newport County and Tranmere Rovers have faced each other 15 times, with neither side able to establish dominance. Both clubs have recorded six wins apiece, while the remaining three encounters have ended in draws.
The first meeting between the two came during the 2014-15 Sky Bet League Two season at Prenton Park. On that occasion, neither side managed to break the deadlock, as the contest finished in a goalless draw.
Memorable Encounter
One of the most memorable meetings between the two clubs came in the 2021-22 season, when Newport County produced a thrilling 4-2 victory over Tranmere Rovers at Rodney Parade.
After a cagey first half with neither side able to break the deadlock, it was full-back Aaron Lewis who opened the scoring early in the second half, curling a superb first-time strike into the bottom corner. The Exiles doubled their advantage soon after when Calum MacDonald fouled Finn Azaz inside the box, allowing Dom Telford—who had already provided the assist for the opener—to calmly convert from the spot.
Tranmere, however, refused to go quietly. Josh Cogley pulled one back from close range, before a slice of misfortune saw Mickey Demetriou turn Kieron Morris’ effort into his own net, drawing the visitors level in dramatic fashion.
Just as it looked like Tranmere might complete a remarkable comeback, Azaz struck again. Picking up the ball on the edge of the box, he curled a brilliant effort into the top corner past Ross Doohan to restore Newport’s lead. In the dying moments, Telford was quickest to react after Doohan’s diving save, slotting home to complete his brace and secure a famous 4-2 win for the Exiles.
Shared Shirts
Legendary striker John Aldridge began his professional career with Newport County, signing for the Exiles in 1979 at the age of 20 for a fee of £3,500. During his four years at Somerton Park, Aldridge played a pivotal role in helping Newport secure promotion to the Third Division. He was also instrumental in the club’s Welsh Cup triumph, which led to their famous run to the quarter-finals of the European Cup Winners’ Cup—a tournament featuring European giants such as Feyenoord, Roma, Benfica, and Celtic. By the time he left South Wales, Aldridge had made 170 appearances and scored 69 goals, before moving on to Oxford United.
Aldridge’s prolific form earned him a move to Liverpool, where he was signed for £750,000 as Ian Rush’s successor. With Rush initially struggling in Italy with Juventus, Liverpool brought him back to Anfield, and together he and Aldridge formed a formidable strike partnership. During his time at the club, Aldridge won the First Division title, the FA Cup, and two Charity Shields.
A short spell with Spanish giants Real Sociedad followed, before Aldridge returned to England in 1991 to join Tranmere Rovers. His first season at Prenton Park was a record-breaking one, as he netted 40 goals in all competitions—including his 40th against former club Oxford United. Over seven years with the Rovers, Aldridge made 243 appearances and scored an impressive 138 goals.
In total, Aldridge’s career in English football spanned 739 appearances, during which he scored 411 goals—an extraordinary strike rate of almost a goal every 1.8 games.