On the back of back-to-back league wins Vale travel to Newport looking to continue the momentum
In the Dugout
Newport born James Rowberry is in charge at County and in first managerial role. He joined the club in October of this year after Michael Flynn left the club and has won four of his nine games in charge so far.
Man with the Armband
28-year-old Matty Dolan captains Newport County where he has been since 2017. He spent his youth career at Middlesbrough but never made a professional appearance for them. He went on loan to Yeovil Town, Hartlepool United and Bradford City before signing permanently in 2014. He went back on loan to Hartlepool for a short period before joining Yeovil again on a permanent basis in 2015. Two years later he arrived in Newport.
This season Dolan has played 18 appearances in all competitions scoring twice, assisting once and picking up one yellow card. His goals came against Leyton Orient in September and in County’s most recent game against Sutton United. Playing as the middle centre-half in a back three he has helped his side to achieve four clean sheets in all competitions.
Star Man
Striker Dominic Telford is having quite the season. He is the Exiles top scorer with 14 goals in all competitions. He spent his youth career at Blackpool before making the move to the first team in 2014. A year later he moved to Stoke but never made an appearance and instead went to Bristol Rovers on loan. After Stoke he played for Bury, Plymouth and joined Newport in January of this year.
The 25-year-old has scored in each of his last four games but missed their last game due to contracting Covid-19 so he is a doubt for the game tomorrow. He had an extraordinary October scoring seven goals in three games. His goals have propelled Newport into contention for a playoff spot as we near the halfway point of the season.
Last time out and recent form
Newport have lost one, drawn two and won two in their last five games. County’s defeat came against Swindon in a tight 2-1 loss. Both draws were away, one against Crawley Town and the other Colchester United. One of the wins came away to Hartlepool whilst their last game had some exciting late drama.
Newport went behind on Tuesday night to Sutton United with David Ajiboye giving the away side the lead on 24 minutes. Ten minutes later Sutton’s Eastmond was given a straight red but on 42 minutes Ajiboye doubled his and United’s tally. A second half turnaround with goals from Lewis Collins, Courtney Baker-Richardson and a stoppage time penalty from captain Dolan won the Exiles all three points.
Their Home
Rodney Parade has a capacity of 7,850 and was opened in 1877. Other tenants of Rodney Parade include Dragons who are one of the four professional rugby union regional teams in Wales and Newport RFC. Newport Squash club also have four courts at the ground.
How to get there
By Train...
The nearest train station to Rodney Parade is Newport (Gwent). It is not far away and should take less than 10 minutes to walk.
Leave the train station via the entrance/exit at “Platform 1”.
Cross the road (so that you are outside Admiral Insurance) and turn left.
Follow the pavement. It will eventually curve left (past Delilah’s Café and Bar). This will bring you out near the Market Arcade and Popadom’s Indian Restaurant.
Turn left and follow the road to the end.
At the end of the road, you will see a staircase on your right. Go down the stairs and through the underpass which will bring you out at Clarence Street Bridge.
Go over the bridge and take your first right onto Rodney Road.
By Car…
From the West:
Take Junction 26 from the M4
Take 3rd Exit off Roundabout onto Malpas Road
Take 2nd Exit off Roundabout
at Next Roundabout take 1st Exit across River Usk
at Next Traffic Lights bear Right onto Chepstow Road
Take 1st Right onto Cedar Road
Take 1st Right onto Corporation Road
Take 1st Left onto Grafton Road
Rodney Parade is on your Left.
From the East:
Take Junction 25a from the M4
Take 1st Exit off Roundabout onto Heidenheim Way
Take 1st Exit off Flyover
Take 2nd Exit off Roundabout
at Next Roundabout take 1st Exit across River Usk
at Next Traffic Lights bear Right onto Chepstow Road
Take 1st Right onto Cedar Road
Take 1st Right onto Corporation Road
Take 1st Left onto Grafton Road
Rodney Parade is on your Left.
Car Parking
There are several public car parks in the City Centre within a short walking distance of Rodney Parade. There is also plenty of parking on the streets near the stadium - please be aware of local parking restrictions.
By Bus
Rodney Parade is close to a number of bus stops. To find your best route, please visit Newport Bus: www.newportbus.co.uk