Newport County

Image source, Huw Evans Agency

Newport County boss Dave Hughes says his side failed to build on the momentum of recent results in losing 4-2 at home to promotion chasing Walsall.

Kai Whitmore put County ahead, but within a minute Daniel Kanu levelled and Ryan Finnigan then put the visitors ahead.

Finnigan's second put Walsall in control and although Ged Garner reduced the deficit, Rico Browne struck after the break to restore Walsall's two-goal advantage.

County remain rooted to the bottom of League Two and Hughes said all four goals conceded had been "avoidable."

"Disappointed would be an understatement because for spells we've more than matched them, but it's no point doing it for spells," Hughes said.

"The game is 95 minutes and we need to be capable of doing that for significantly longer than we did.

"We're hugely disappointed because I feel as if we've thrown away – when you watch the goals back – what momentum we were building.

"We still created opportunities in the second half.

"Disappointed for sure, but what's the positive? Right to the death we're trying to find a way – we didn't – but that shows the level of resilience within the squad."

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Newport County welcome table-toppers Walsall to Rodney Parade on Saturday (15:00 GMT) eager to record their first home league victory of the season.

The Exiles go into the game off the back of an encouraging FA Cup penalty shootout success against Gillingham last Saturday, before which they had failed to win any of their past 14 matches at home.

Manager Dave Hughes, however, is well aware of the test they face against a side who missed out on promotion in the play-off final last season.

"They're a good team, we know that," said Hughes, of a Walsall outfit who share the League Two lead with Swindon.

"If you look at the makeup of their side from last season to this, the depth they have is vast and significant.

"We know it will be a challenge, we know it's going to be tough."

Despite having not won a home EFL match since March, Hughes side will be looking for a second league victory in a row after winning 3-0 at Harrogate on the final weekend of October.

Walsall, despite their lofty position, go into the game having suffered back-to-back defeats in League Two against Barrow and Cheltenham.

"We will set our stall out to make it really difficult for them on Saturday," added Hughes.

"As always, we'll pay the opposition the respect they deserve, look at their strengths and then look at how we can pose them problems as well."

Luke Hemmings
BBC Sport Wales

Image source, Huw Evans Agency

After joining Newport County on loan from Swansea City during the summer transfer window, Ben Lloyd is beginning to make a strong impression for the Exiles.

The 20-year-old midfielder played a decisive role in Newport's recent FA Cup victory over Gillingham, converting the winning penalty to send his side through to the next round.

But it was not just the match-winning moment that caught the eye of County boss David Hughes.

"He's got incredible athleticism to be able to continue to deliver that, to break and recover, to press and re-recover consistently," Hughes said.

"You look at his metres per minute and it's staggering really."

Lloyd covered nearly 16km in the recent Gillingham fixture, a figure Hughes described as "higher than normal" even accounting for extra time.

Hughes added: "The way he's gone about his work since he's been here on loan has been exceptional.

"He wasn't a regular until the last few weeks, but he's stepped up his game."

Despite limited minutes earlier in the season, Lloyd's attitude never wavered.

"Even when he's been out of the team, the way he's gone about his work has been really, really high level," said Hughes.

"All I can say is, since he's got in the team with us, he's been electric."

"So, we'll keep supporting Ben as he continues to develop and evolve his game."

County fans will be hoping that Lloyd can keep providing match-winning moments as they welcome Walsall to Rodney Parade on Saturday, 8 November (15:00 GMT) as they return to League Two action.

Meanwhile, Newport's FA Cup second-round trip to Boreham Wood has been moved to Sunday, 7 December (14:30 GMT), as the game has been chosen for television coverage - and will be live on iPlayer and BBC Two.

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Newport County captain Lee Jenkins looks set to be available for the Exiles' return to league action, despite his clash of heads in the FA Cup win over Gillingham.

Jenkins was forced off the field after lengthy treatment early in the second-half and was on the bench as Newport sealed their place in the second round via a penalty shoot-out.

The former Haverfordwest defender looked frustrated to be taken off and initially seemed to be withdrawn because of concussion.

But Newport head coach Dave Hughes cleared up the situation and said it was a cut that forced his withdrawal – and suggested he would be ready to go against Walsall next Saturday.

Hughes explained: "There was no concussion and he could have carried on – but he had a nasty cut and we were just concerned if he'd have headed it again in that area it would have got worse.

"We erred on the side of caution and I've got to credit the medical staff because Jenks was desperate to stay on but the doctor said it could be dangerous if he caught the cut again.

"Despite the emotion of the game they made a really positive decision and he will get patched up and ready to go again."

Luke Hemmings
BBC Sports Journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Newport County host Gillingham in the first round of the FA Cup on Saturday (15:00 GMT) at Rodney Parade, with County eager to improve on the 3-1 defeat suffered the last time the two sides met in September.

Manager Dave Hughes said: "We think we deserve better than the result we got at home to Gillingham last time.

"So, from that perspective, we absolutely need to deliver a performance at the same level that we did in the league game [against Harrogate]."

County come into the match with momentum, having secured three wins from their last four games, including a convincing 3-0 victory away at Harrogate Town.

Hughes added: "The support last week was exceptional.

"We gave them something to cheer about and I'm sure made their journey home was far more enjoyable, and we'll look forward to doing the same at home this weekend against Gillingham."

A recent tactical shift to a narrower formation with two forwards proved effective.

Hughes said: "Systems change but the principles will be consistent for us in the way that we try to play on the front foot and difficult to play against.

"We'll pick a team which we feels give the chance of winning. Maybe with two strikers, maybe with one. Either way, we back the players 100% to make sure that they can deliver a performance to help us be successful in the FA Cup.

"We will be all-out to avenge that result last time at home."

Ioan Griffiths

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Newport County boss David Hughes is confident his side will improve on their home form soon.

The Exiles have failed to win at Rodney Parade since a 3-0 win against Harrogate Town on 15 March, 2025, with a winless run stretching 13 home games in all competitions.

Despite struggling in front of their own fans, Hughes side have managed three away wins on the bounce, including a comprehensive 3-0 victory at Harrogate on Saturday.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Hughes shared his confidence that County can turn it around when they host Gillingham in the first round of the FA Cup on Saturday, 1 November (15:00 GMT).

"The game's always about the players, preparing the way we do to ensure that they are ready to execute a game plan and in a frame of mind," said Hughes.

"It will change. We will win at home. There is no concern. The win will come on the back of a level of performance.

"We've been successful in the last three games away from home because we've performed well.

"Not by good fortune or luck, it's been down to some really, really good individual and collective performances and we'll aim to deliver exactly the same on Saturday."

BBC Sport asked Newport County fans whether Saturday's 3-0 away win against Harrogate Town could kickstart their season despite still being bottom of League Two.

Here are some of the responses we received.

Ian - It shows we do have something in the team that can deliver when set up in that tactical way. Hopefully David Hughes continues that formation as stats were the highest this season for the final third. With injuries coming back soon we can feel more confident about moving up the table. Still need a striker, need to keep Braybrooke also.

Elliot - It's a big win, keeping a clean sheet away from home and scoring three, plus it could have been more. We got the win despite being in a bit of an injury crisis at the moment. Although the recent Cheltenham result was really disappointing, we now have three wins from our last four, so I think we have reason to be a little bit more optimistic than we could have been a few weeks ago.

Terry - Courtney Baker-Richardson has, rightly, faced some very harsh criticism since he joined, but he has to maintain this scoring form right through the rest of the campaign. Same goes for Michael Reindorf and if these two can manage to start scoring regularly, then yes the Exiles are capable of climbing the table.

Kevin - I'm not going to get too excited about one win. Let's see if we can go back to back or get two or three wins from the next five.

Ade - Great result. Long way to go but light at the end of the tunnel. We still need someone up front. I can't believe that there's not a player free out there who could come in.

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Newport County enjoyed their best win of what has been a difficult start to the season – winning 3-0 at Harrogate Town.

Manager Dave Hughes was "ecstatic for the players" and added that he never doubted their effort.

Although County remain bottom of League Two there are now five teams within three points. Can the win kickstart County's campaign?

Have your say here

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Newport County bounced back to winning ways on Saturday with a convincing 3-0 win over Harrogate.

Having suffered a demoralising loss against Cheltenham seven days before - which saw the Exiles drop to the foot of League Two - David Hughes' side were in need of a lift.

They found it in North Yorkshire, as they took their chances and put bodies on the line to seal all three points.

Speaking after the game, Hughes said he has never doubted the effort of his players, who he was delighted for.

"I'm ecstatic for the players," said Hughes.

"I think we showed bits of everything required to win a game.

"I'm pleased for the players, they are a joy to work with.

"I've never thought the players weren't leaving everything out there or felt they aren't buying in to what the club sees as success, I'd never criticise them for a lack of effort.

"It's a collective effort, and today the players deserve the praise."

County remain bottom of the league, as Crawley also picked up three points on Saturday, but there are now five teams within three points.

"The supporters they have come up in their numbers and it is really pleasing to send them home with three points in the bag," added Hughes.

"This puts the disappointment of last Saturday behind us.

"We didn't get the result against Cheltenham we thought the performance deserved, today we did."

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Jason Perry feels Newport County's defeat by fellow strugglers Cheltenham Town typified why the Exiles find themselves bottom of the Football League.

Luke Young's brace earned the visitors all three points at Rodney Parade on Saturday and ensured the Robins rose above Dave Hughes' men in the League Two table.

And former Newport defender Perry says the Gwent side's latest poor showing sums up why questions are being asked of the club's hierarchy.

"People behind the scenes seem to be leaving the football club," he told BBC Radio Wales.

"There's questions about who brought the players in and who picks the side.

"It's all questions you associate with a team and club that is at the bottom of the league. That's where Newport County are, and this performance showed all of the reasons why."

Defeat to Cheltenham means Newport have claimed just eight points from a possible 39 so far this season.

On the loss to the Gloucestershire side, Perry added: "I didn't think that Newport threatened Cheltenham, I thought it was an easy day for the Cheltenham defenders.

"Other than the period of the first 10 minutes in the second half, Cheltenham's game plan was executed, but was never tested.

"Newport County struggled at times against a very ordinary Cheltenham team."

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BBC Sport asked Newport County fans whether head coach David Hughes and chairman Huw Jenkins can turn the current situation at Rodney Parade around.

Here are some of the responses we received.

Neil - Obviously the league position is a concern, but the players are behind the manager and I believe things will improve as the season goes on. The recent match stats show we're not a terrible side. If we can get one or two experienced players in January, then great, if not, I still believe the current squad and management is good enough to survive.

Jamie - Really needs sorting or we will go down as the quickest exit from the football league ever! Something needs to change and fast.

Ade - Sadly I don't think we can be saved. I've been trying to stay positive but it's dwindling. Hughes has some of my sympathy but seems out of his depth. Jenkins may be a good business man but obviously has no football knowledge although he seemingly thinks he has. A new manager would face the same as Hughes.

Kevin - I've been connected to the county for over 65 years, but I don't think I've been so embarrassed to support the team. I'm not blaming the players, it's the manager and owner that I blame.

Chris - In a word - No. Feels like us fans are on repeat. Huw Jenkins' business model hasn't worked, it's failing miserably. We were horrendous last season but somehow stayed up, lessons not learnt. Squad lacks quality and League 2 experience. A good number of the squad aren't good enough to be professional footballers. Hughes hasn't delivered either. Said he'd bring the old battling County back, it's been the total opposite, we are so easy to play against.

Terry - It will take a miracle to get Newport back on track. They're struggling because there is not one player capable of scoring on a regular basis. The Exiles have two players listed as 'strikers' - Courtney Baker-Richardson has scored two goals, but one was in his own net, while Michael Reindorf only has one League Cup goal.

Peter - With all due respect, Saturday was the worst performance I have seen in many a year. The existing players are clearly not up to the mark it's clearly boys against men.