the exile
N E W P O RT C O U N T Y A FC O F F I C I A L M ATC H DAY P R O G RA M M E 2 0 2 1 - 2 2 | I S S U E 1 6 | £ 2 . 0 0
V HARROGATE TOWN
15/01/22
Kick-Off 12.30pm SKYBET LEAGUE TWO
#ONECLUBONECOUNTY WWW.NEWPORT-COUNTY.CO.UK A SUPPORTER OWNED FOOTBALL CLUB
E R E H IS T R E T T E B A O T Y A W R U O Y BUY ? R A C T NE X O O Z A C YEAH!
Buy or finance a car online and we’ll deliver it to your door with a 7-Day Money Back Guarantee. 2 | O F F I C I A L M ATC H DAY P R O G R A M M E
W W W. N E W P O RT- CO U N T Y.CO. U K
Chairman: Gavin Foxall Directors: Bob Herrin, Colin Faulkner, Joe Crocker, Kevin Ward, Mark Crook, Mike Everett, Paul Marks, Peter Madigan, Shaun Johnson. Honorary Club President: David Hando Manager: James Rowberry Assistant Manager: Wayne Hatswell Goalkeeping Coach: James Hollman Senior Physiotherapist: Tom Gittoes Head of Analysis: Jason Windsor Kit Man: Neil Leek General Manager: Nigel Stephenson Club Secretary: Matthew Higgins Academy Manager: Damien Broad Media Manager: Ben Wills Commercial Manager: Matthew Owen Supporter Liaison Officer: Donna Linton Community Development Officer: Norman Parselle Club Chaplain: Keith Beardmore
STADIUM ADDRESS NEWPORT COUNTY AFC RODNEY PARADE RODNEY ROAD, NP19 0UU CONTACT US t: 01633 302 012 e: office@newport-county.co.uk
JAMES ROWBERRY Good afternoon everyone and a warm welcome to Simon Weaver and his staff to Rodney Parade. Unfortunately, today will be our second game in a row without fans due to the current restrictions in Wales. We missed you dearly and hope to have you all back really soon! The Rodney Parade crowd is a vociferous one that creates a great atmosphere for us to spur us on just that little bit more, we did miss it hugely against Salford. That being said, there are things to work on from Saturday that we need to implement today to get our first win of the calendar year after coming so close at Walsall on New Year’s Day. I felt we created enough to beat Salford and we dominated the ball, we just need to be more clinical when those chances present themselves. Again, we are going to miss your support today and we hope we can welcome you back as soon as possible when it is safe to do so. Thank you again to those of you that will be following us on iFollow and other mediums. James
O F F I C I A L M ATC H DAY P R O G R A M M E | 3
AMBER FROM THE ATTIC with Chris Shingler
As we welcome Harrogate Town to Rodney Parade for only their second ever visit, we take the opportunity to look back to last season’s clash in which we had to thank on-loan Brandon Cooper for all three points courtesy of his late bullet-header …
Of course, there were no spectators at that Halloween fixture and, at the time of writing, it’s looking increasingly likely that could well be the case again sadly, aswe are forced to follow the Welsh Government’s guidelines in the on-going battle with Covid-19. For the second match running, the programme we look back upon features popular Irish striker Padraig Amondadorningits glossycover and opening the batting on page three was former boss Michael Flynn, who began by paying tribute to his ‘Gate counterpart Simon Weaver, noting the “Terrific job” that he had done in getting his charges into the Football League. Mike also looked back at the dramatic 2-1 midweek home win over Colchester United, in which cover star Podge had netted a 91st minute winner after the Essex boys had equalised Scott Twine’s 51st minute opener in the 89th! Dramatic stuff indeed! Michael signed off by hoping all those watching at home on the I-follow service would enjoy the match; one we were going into on the back of a four-match winning
run that had seen us soar to the summit of League Two following our excellent 3-0 win at Bradford City the previous Saturday. Indeed, just over the page, the reader was to share the joy of that success with the players, who were captured by the all-seeing lens of Club Photographer Nicola Johns celebrating a few of the goals. This very ‘Amber fromthe Attic’column was up next and as we had zero history with Harrogate Town to share at the time, I featured instead another game from the same 31st October date; this one from the 2009/10 season, a Blue S quare South meeting with Basingstoke Town which saw debutant Jamie Collins nodding home the only goal of the game in an extraordinary
4 | O F F I C I A L M ATC H DAY P R O G R A M M E
W W W. N E W P O RT- CO U N T Y.CO. U K
season where we had wrapped up promotion bar the shouting by Christmas! Richard Ta y l o r ’s comprehensive look at Harrogate kick-started the second half of the issue and one thing to note was Town had already booked a visit to Wembley, due to a 1-0 win over Notts County in a delayed FA Trophy Semi-final from the curtailed 2019/20 season! They finally played the final on May 3rd, 2021, when a single goal from former Leeds United junior Josh Falkingham was enough to lift the trophy. Sadly, once again with zero fans present, as Concord Rangers provided the opposition. As with last Saturday’s opponents Salford, there has been a dramatic rise in attendances at their Wetherby Road home over the previous 10 seasons. Atwelfthspot finish in the 2010/11 season saw an average of just 295 finding their way to matches in the Conference North, but by the National League Play-off winning 2019/20 seasonthis was up to 1,301; and remember, that was a curtailed season so wouldn’t have counted a few endof-season games that weren’t played when bigger crowds would have been caught up in the promotion push. The biggest name in their squad by far was veteran striker Jon Stead who has now retired and is coaching in the US at Tampa Bay. The former England
Under-21 man had enjoyed a decent career with the likes of Blackburn Rovers, Huddersfield Town, Bristol City and Premier League stints at Sunderland and Sheffield United. So, onto the match itself we go and once again it was that man Amond who opened the scoring on 30 minutes, following good build-up play from Joss Labadie and Liam Shephard. Seven minutes later our visitors were reduced to ten men when Trophy hero Falkinghamwas shown a second yellow card; but just six minutes later, Will Smith levelledfor the FL new boys as Dan Jones’ header was turned home. Then up stepped Cooper, who was on loan from Swansea City at the time, as he headed home Scott Twine’s cross to seal it at the death. Relived boss Flynn told the BBC Sport website …”We gave a poor goal away - the first set-piece we’ve conceded this season, so doubly disappointed they had tenmen, but they worked their socks off, you’ve got to give them a lot of credit. There was only one team looking to win it in the second half, but they had a chance and it could have cost us. We’ve won the game and I’m delighted; we played some very good stuff - but were also slow at times, a little bit sloppy because we
were looking for that killer pass. But the subs have come on and changed things.” Teams County:Nick Townsend, Liam Shephard (Robbie Willmott), Ryan Haynes, Brandon Cooper, Scott Bennett (Jamie Devitt), Mickey Demetriou, Josh Sheehan, Joss Labadie, Scott Twine, PadriagAmond, Tristan Abrahams (Jamie Proctor). Subs not used: Tom King, Ashley Baker, Bradley Webb, Kevin Ellison. Harrogate:James Belshaw, Warren Burrell, Dan Jones, Will Smith, Connor Hall, George Thompson, Josh Falkingham, Lloyd Kerry, Brendan Kiernan (Connor Kirby), Aaron Martin (Mark Beck), Jack Muldoon. Subs not used:Joe Cracknell, Jon Stead, Tom Walker and Kevin Lokko.
O F F I C I A L M ATC H DAY P R O G R A M M E | 5
COUNTY IN THE
COMMUNITY JOY OF MOVING – MOVE & LEARN PROJECT
COUNTY IN THE COMMUNITY – BBC CHILDREN IN NEED PARTNERSHIP County in the Community are proud to announce a new and exciting partnership with BBC Children in Need. The partnership will see funding provided over the coming three years and will allow us to develop our Fit and Fed provision. Throughout this time we will also be working to support the annual Children in Need appeal. Fit and Fed has an aim of tackling physical inactivity and holiday hunger during the half term periods. In addition to this, also providing a safe place for young people to socialise, meet new friends, try new things, and realise their potential. Sessions will be delivered in Alway where young people will take part in FREE physical activity and sports sessions. Young people will also receive free nutritious meals on each day they attend. Fit and Fed is having a huge impact already and this new partnership will only further this. For more information or to get involved contact Liam Jenkins: liam.jenkins@newport-county.co.uk
6 | O F F I C I A L M ATC H DAY P R O G R A M M E
Entering the new year, we’re delighted to be delivering the Joy of moving project to more of our partner primary schools across Gwent! The Joy of moving project will provide Year 5 pupils the opportunity to gain knowledge around topics related to health and wellbeing as well as taking part in regular physical activity. During the autumn term we delivered the project to over 600 pupils from various primary schools across Newport, Torfaen, and Monmouthshire. Over a 6-week period the pupils from each school participated in activities covering various topics e.g Diet & Nutrition, Hydration, and the benefits of Physical activity. Each week the pupils worked with the CITC coaches for a whole morning/Afternoon, with the lesson split, 45 minutes classroom based and 45 minutes physical activity. The P.E lessons are planned and delivered to link in with the chosen topic for each week and to meet the pupils learning. Once completed each pupil received an official ‘Joy of Moving’ certificate. We would like to congratulate all the pupils who took part in the project over the Autumn term, you have all been a real credit to yourselves and your school, Da Iawn! If you think that the Joy of moving project would be an initiative that your primary school would benefit from or if you would like any more information in regard to the project then please contact our Joy of moving coordinator Dan Williams by email: Dan.williams@ newport-county.co.uk
W W W. N E W P O RT- CO U N T Y.CO. U K
View from the
boardroom A warm welcome to all the Directors, Players and Officials of Harrogate to this afternoon’s EFL League Two home fixture. Once again, we find ourselves at a Home Game without the support of fans. Whilst that is disappointing, we were encouraged by the recent news that the Scottish Government were now intending to lift sporting restrictions. We are hopeful that the Welsh Government will follow a similar approach. At the time of writing, the indication we are getting is that a lifting of the restrictions is being considered. As with all these things, despite indications, you never know until the First Minister or one of the Ministers makes the formal announcement. We are keeping everything crossed that there is a full lifting of restrictions, and we are able to welcome fans back to Rodney Parade very soon! We are continuing to engage with the Welsh Government officials on the restrictions and indeed the financial package that has been promised. We have submitted our losses for the Salford game some time ago but we are yet to hear what we are likely to receive and when. Our local Assembly Members have been engaged to help in this area and we appreciate their support. As always, we will keep supporters abreast of any developments. Supporters will undoubtedly have seen the Club is offering free coach travel to our away game against Scunthorpe on the 22nd January. The uptake has been really pleasing and our thanks to Bob Herrin of the Official Supporters Club and Andrew Power (Stav)
from the independent travel club for their support in this initiative. We are keen to take as many supporters as we can to the game, hence the offer to cover the coach travel costs. We appreciate it is a long journey but having spoken to the manager and players, I know they are looking forward to seeing a good following from the Amber Army given the current position at Rodney Parade. Details of how to book can be found on our normal social media pages. I shared in my Salford programme notes the strategy that has been agreed for this window. James also covered it in his recent press conference. It good to see the “incoming” part of that strategy being implemented with the arrival of Josh Pask, on loan from Coventry, and the permanent signing of James Waite from Penybont. Our thanks to our friends at Penybont who have been very supportive of allowing James to fulfil his ambition of being able to play in the English Football League. We look forward to developing the relationship further. Welcome to both Josh and James. I am sure that the Amber Army will give both players a warm welcome when they are able to do so. The club were saddened to hear of the passing of former player Lee Brown. Sincere condolences to the family. RIP Beaver. Good luck to the lads this afternoon. Thanks for your support as always. Stay safe everyone. Gavin
O F F I C I A L M ATC H DAY P R O G R A M M E | 7
8 | O F F I C I A L M ATC H DAY P R O G R A M M E
W W W. N E W P O RT- CO U N T Y.CO. U K
Academyupdate Welcome to our newly formed Academy page, where we will now be able to share what's going on at Newport County AFC Academy with all the Exiles fans. Updates on all our age groups, good news stories from the fantastic work our staff, players and parents put in on a weekly basis and where we will keep you informed of performances and the development of our Young Exiles.
Last week club legend Mark O’Brien sat down to answer questions from our Youth development phase players from our u13s to u16s. Mark shared a g re a t i n s i g h t i n to t h e sta n d a rd s a n d expectations needed to be set both personally and professionally to ensure players fulfil their potential and achieve the goals they set. Thankyou Mark!
Up The County! Damien Broad Academy Manager
Mark O’Brien
On the subject of legends, over the Christmas period the Academy and club recognised the outstanding contributions of two of the Academies longest serving members of staff. Martin Pearson and Steve Davies who have given the Academy a combined 20 years of service were presented with club shirts by Academy Manager Damien Broad with the staff, players and parents all wanting to say a big thankyou to both for their continued work at the club.
Follow us on Instagram: @ncafcacademy Facebook: Newport County AFC Academy Twitter: @Youth_County
O F F I C I A L M ATC H DAY P R O G R A M M E | 9
1 0 | O F F I C I A L M ATC H DAY P R O G R A M M E
W W W. N E W P O RT- CO U N T Y.CO. U K
COUNTY
APPEARANCES & GOALSCORERS 2021-22 SEASON Statistics supplied by Gareth Swattridge League No 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 11 12 14 15 16 17 18 19 21 22 24 27 28 29 30 31 41 42 43 49 50 55 56
Name Joe DAY Cameron NORMAN Ryan HAYNES Ed UPSON ** James CLARKE Priestley FARQUHARSON Robbie WILLMOTT Matty DOLAN Courtney BAKER-RICHARDSON Jermaine HYLTON Alex FISHER Aaron LEWIS Louis HALL Timmy ABRAHAM Scot BENNETT Finn AZAZ Dom TELFORD Lewis COLLINS Kevin ELLISON Jake CAIN Christopher MISSILOU ** Mickey DEMETRIOU Jordan GREENIDGE ** Nick TOWNSEND Ollie COOPER Joe WOODIWISS Lewys TWAMLEY Ryan HILLIER Ieystyn EVANS Harrison BRIGHT Zack MAHER Aneurin LIVERMORE
Apps 20 (0) 24 (0) 16 (2) 15 (1) 20 (1) 6 (3) 20 (0) 17 (1) 15 (2) 3 (1) 6 (9) 9 (3) 0 (0) 3 (9) 9 (2) 13 (8) 15 (1) 3 (4) 1 (8) 4 (6) 2 (2) 19 (0) 0 (1) 4 (0) 18 (1) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 2 (1)
Goals 0 0 0 0 1 0 3 2 6 0 1 0 0 0 1 3 16 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
* OUT ON LOAN ** NO LONGER AT THE CLUB. UP TO AND INCLUDING: 08.01.22
Cup YC 0 5 2 5 3 1 1 1 4 0 1 2 0 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 4 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
RC 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Apps 1 (0) 1 (0) 1 (0) 1 (2) 3 (0) 1 (0) 3 (0) 3 (0) 1 (0) 2 (0) 1 (2) 5 (0) 3 (1) 4 (1) 1 (0) 3 (0) 2 (1) 2 (2) 3 (2) 3 (0) 4 (0) 1 (0) 2 (2) 5 (0) 2 (0) 3 (1) 0 (1) 0 (1) 0 (1) 2 (0) 0 (1) 3 (0)
Goals 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 3 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
LEAGUE TABLE 2021-22
Total YC 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 2
RC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Apps 21 (0) 25 (0) 17 (2) 16 (3) 23 (1) 7 (3) 23 (0) 20 (1) 16 (2) 5 (1) 7 (11) 14 (3) 3 (1) 7 (10) 10 (2) 16 (8) 17 (2) 5 (6) 4 (10) 7 (6) 6 (2) 20 (0) 2 (3) 9 (0) 20 (1) 3 (1) 0 (1) 0 (1) 0 (1) 2 (0) 0 (1) 5 (1)
Goals 0 0 0 0 1 0 3 2 6 0 2 0 0 3 1 3 17 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
YC 0 5 2 7 3 1 1 1 4 1 1 4 0 4 1 0 0 1 0 0 3 4 0 1 4 1 0 0 0 1 0 3
RC 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Up to: 11.01.22
Pos
Team
GP
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
1
Forest Green Rovers
23
15
6
2
47
20
27
PTS 51
2
Tranmere Rovers
24
12
6
6
25
15
10
42
3
Northampton Town
23
12
4
7
31
23
8
40
4
Sutton United
23
12
3
8
35
28
7
39
5
Swindon Town
23
10
7
6
36
29
7
37
6
Port Vale
21
10
5
6
35
23
12
35
7
Newport County AFC
24
9
8
7
38
34
4
35
8
Mansfield Town
23
10
5
8
30
30
0
35
9
Exeter City
23
8
10
5
33
26
7
34
10
Leyton Orient
22
7
10
5
37
21
16
31
11
Salford City
23
8
7
8
27
22
5
31
12
Crawley Town
22
9
4
9
27
31
-4
31
13
Harrogate Town
22
8
6
8
35
31
4
30
14
Bradford City
23
6
11
6
29
28
1
29
15
Walsall
23
7
8
8
29
30
-1
29
16
Hartlepool United
23
8
4
11
24
34
-10
28
17
Rochdale
22
6
9
7
30
30
0
27
18
Bristol Rovers
21
7
5
9
27
33
-6
26
19
Carlisle United
23
6
7
10
18
29
-11
25
20
Barrow
23
5
8
10
23
28
-5
23
21
Stevenage
24
5
8
11
19
37
-18
23
22
Colchester United
22
5
7
10
17
30
-13
22
23
Scunthorpe United
24
3
10
11
19
42
-23
19
24
Oldham Athletic
24
4
6
14
22
39
-17
18
O F F I C I A L M ATC H DAY P R O G R A M M E | 1 1
1 2 | O F F I C I A L M ATC H DAY P R O G R A M M E
W W W. N E W P O RT- CO U N T Y.CO. U K
O F F I C I A L M ATC H DAY P R O G R A M M E | 1 3
HERE’S A ST AT I BET YOU DIDN’T KN W 1 4 | O F F I C I A L M ATC H DAY P R O G R A M M E
W W W. N E W P O RT- CO U N T Y.CO. U K
OVER HALF A MILLION SKY BET CUSTOMERS USE DEPOSIT LIMITS TO MANAGE THEIR BETTING BUDGET. THAT’S ENOUGH TO FILL: 6 WEMBLEYS. 201 ALLY PALLYS. OR 8 CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP DAYS. (THAT’S A LOT OF TWEED)
ALL GOOD BOOKMAKERS HAVE DEPOSIT LIMITS. SO WHOEVER YOU BET WITH, SET AN APPROPRIATE ONE FOR YOU AND THEN ENJOY THE SPORT. DEPOSIT LIMITS
THAT’S BETTING BETTER.
O F F I C I A L M ATC H DAY P R O G R A M M E | 1 5
MATCHBYMATCH
Follow The Exiles throughout the 2021/22 SEASON DATE AUGUST Sat 07 Tues 10 Sat 14 Sat 21 Wed 25 Sat 28 Tues 31 SEPTEMBER Sat 04 Fri 10 Tues 14 Sat 18 Fri 24 OCTOBER Sat 02 Sat 09 Tues 12 Sat 16 Tues 19 Sat 23 Sat 30 NOVEMBER Sat 06 Tues 09 Fri 12 Sat 20 Tues 23 Fri 26 DECEMBER Tues 07 Sat 11 Sat 18 JANUARY Sat 01 Sat 08 Sat 15 Sat 22 Tue 25 Sat 29 FEBRUARY Sat 05 Tues 08 Sat 12 Sat 19 Sat 26 MARCH Tue 1 Sat 05 Sat 12 Tues 15 Fri 18 Sat 26 APRIL Sat 02 Sat 09 Fri 15 Mon 18 Fri 22 Sat 30 MAY Sat 07
OPPOSITION
V
COMP
ATT
AWAY F-A POS
Oldham Athletic Ipswich Town Mansfield Town Tranmere Rovers SOUTHAMPTON Salford City PLYMOUTH ARGYLE
A A A A H A H
L2 CCR1 L2 L2 CCR2 L2 PJT
4094 6144 3793 6160 5920 1687 1032
317 131 156 181 1031 277 155
1-0 1-0 1-2 1-0 0-8 0-3 2-0
6 -13 9 -15 --
Day Townsend Day Day Townsend n Day Townsend
Norman n A Lewis Norman Norman Lewis n Norman Bright n
Haynes Hall Haynes n Haynes Hall Haynes Lewis n
Farquharson Woodiwiss Farquharson Farquharson Farquharson Farquharsonl Woodiwiss
Dolan l J Clarke Bennett Bennett Dolan l (J)Clarke Dolan l
LEYTON ORIENT Harrogate Town NORTHAMPTON TOWN WALSALL Barrow AFC
H A H H A
L2 L2 L2 L2 L2
3845 2670 3168 3825 2427
396 110 161 547 91
2-2 2-2 0-1 2-1 1-2
15 14 19 12 14
Day Day Day Townsend Townsend
Willmott Norman l Norman Norman Norman
Haynes Haynes Haynes Lewis Lewis
Norman Farquharson Farquharson Clarke 1 Clarke
Dolan 1 l Demetriou Dolan l Demetriou n Demetriou Bennett l Demetriou 1 Dolan Dolan l Haynes
Bennett l n Bennett 1 Livermore n Upson l n Upson
SCUNTHORPE UNITED BRADFORD CITY ARSENAL U21 Exeter City CARLISLE UNITED Bristol Rovers STEVENAGE
H H H A H A H
L2 L2 PJT L2 L2 L2 L2
3213 4089 1426 5078 2962 7515 3439
98 450 91 614 108 1032 92
3-0 0-0 3-4 2-2 2-2 3-1 5-0
12 13 -14 13 12 8
Day Day Townsend Day Day Day Day
Norman Norman Lewis Norman Norman Norman Norman
Haynes Haynes Hall Haynes Haynes n n Lewis Lewis
Clarke Clarke Woodiwiss n Clarke Clarke Clarke n Clarke
Dolan Dolan Missilou n Dolan Dolan Dolan l Demetriou
Demetriou Demetriou Cain Demetriou Demetriou Demetriou Willmott l
Upson Upson l Livermore Upson Upson n n Cain AZAZ 1
Morecambe Swindon Town Hartlepool United SWINDON TOWN Crawley Town Colchester United
A A A H A A
FACR1 PJT L2 L2 L2 L2
1879 2125 5764 5141 1438 2401
167 157 114 1027 130 83
0-1 0-1 2-1 1-2 1-1 1-1
--5 8 9 9
Day Townsend Day Day Day Day
Norman Bright Norman Norman Norman n Norman
Lewis l Haynes Haynes Haynes Lewis n Haynes
Clarke Dolan l Clarke Clarke n Clarke n Clarke n
Demetriou Missilou n Dolan Dolan n Dolan l Bennett
Willmott Upson n Demetriou n Demetriou Demetriou Demetriou
Azaz Collins Upson n Upson l Upson l n Willmott
SUTTON UNITED PORT VALE Rochdale
H H A
L2 L2 L2
3368 4074 2232
90 340 344
3-2 2-1 0-3
8 4 6
Day Day Day
Norman Norman Norman n
Haynes l Lewis n Lewis l
Clarke l Clarke Clarke
DOLAN 1 Dolan Dolan l
Demetriou Demetriou Demetriou n
Willmott Willmott Willmott
Walsall SALFORD CITY HARROGATE TOWN Scunthorpe United Leyton Orient BARROW AFC
A H H A A H
L2 L2 L2 L2 L2 L2
4946 BCD
722 0
*3-3 0-2
7 7
Townsend Townsend
Norman l Norman n
Lewis Lewis l
Clarke Clarke
Dolan Demetriou
Bennett Willmott
Willmott Cain l
Forest Green Rovers Northampton Town OLDHAM ATHLETIC MANSFIELD TOWN TRANMERE ROVERS
A A H H H
L2 L2 L2 L2 L2
FOREST GREEN ROVERS BRISTOL ROVERS Stevenage Carlisle United HARTLEPOOL UNITED Bradford City
H H A A H A
L2 L2 L2 L2 L2 L2
EXETER CITY Swindon Town CRAWLEY TOWN Sutton United COLCHESTER UNITED Port Vale
H A H A H A
L2 L2 L2 L2 L2 L2
ROCHDALE
H
L2
1 6 | O F F I C I A L M ATC H DAY P R O G R A M M E
STARTING XI Demetriou Missilou J Clarke l J Clarke J Clarke Bennett Livermore n
Upson Livermore l n Upson Upsonn Bennett l Missilou l Cain l
W W W. N E W P O RT- CO U N T Y.CO. U K WWW.NEWPORT-COUNTY.CO.UK
H
on
Key: Goalscorer(s) in Bold1; Sub 1 l; 1 Sub 2 l; Sub 3 l; Sub 4 l; Sub 5 l; Yellow Card n; Red Card n; * Own Goal.
Key: Goalscorer(s) in Bold ; Sub 1 l; Sub 2 l; Sub 3 l; Sub 4 l; Sub 5 l
Statistics byn;Gareth Swattridge Yellow Cardsupplied n; Red Card * Own Goal; (P) Penalty.
Statistics supplied by Gareth Swattridge Subs
Bennett Abraham 1 Azazl Hylton Azaz l Greenidge Missilouln Abraham Upson Fishe 1l Cooper
SUBSTITUTES L Collins l Willmott Azaz l Willmott J Clarkel1 Willmott Upsonl Azaz Fisherl l Hylton Abrahaml Abraham 1
Upson Cooper Upson Cooper Cain l Willmott Livermore l Cooper Azaz 1 l Willmott
Hylton l Ellison l Greenidge Missilou l n Abraham n Abrahamsl Ellison 1l l Missilou Hylton l Fishe1 L Collinsln Telford l l Hillier Willmott l L Collins Abraham Greenridge l Lewis Willmott l Missilou Fisher Ellison l l Lewis Telford 1 Willmott l Abraham l Willmott 1 Collins l Telford
Fisher Fisher l Abraham Fisher l Baker-Richardson l Fisher
Willmott Willmott Collins WILLMOTT 1 Willmott Willmott n Cain
Cooper 1 l Baker-Richardson 1 l Cooper n Baker-Richardson n GREENIDGE 1 l Hylton l BAKER-RICHARDSON Cooper l 1 n l Cooper l TELFORD 2 l TELFORD 2 l Cooper TELFORD 3 l Cooper
Cain l Ellison Cooper l n Cooper l Cooper Cooper n
Cooper l Hylton l n Azaz Azaz Azaz Azaz
Telford Abraham l TELFORD 1 TELFORD 1 TELFORD 1 TELFORD 1
Cooper Cooper n Cooper
Azaz AZAZ 1 l Azaz
COLLINS 1 TELFORD 1 l Telford
Cooper Cooper
Azaz Azaz l
TELFORD 2 l Telford
Telford 1 l Telford l Ellison Telford l Baker-Richardson BAKER-RICHARDSON 1ln BAKER-RICHARDSON 1 l
Baker-Richardson
Fisher BAKER-RICHARDSON 1 l
Baker-Richardson l
Ellison l Baker-Richardson
BAKER-RICHARDSON 1 l
Baker-Richardson l Baker-Richardson
Baker-Richardson l n Baker-Richardson
J Clarke l Abrahams l Upson l L Collins l n FisherGreenridge l Greenridge Townsendl Abraham l S Lewis Ellisonl Karadogan Upson l n Ellison l Woodiwiss Livermore DolanL Collins l Lewis Greenridge Ovendale Bullock
Referee Ellison 1 l Telford l Collins l Missilou l Ovendale Greenidgel Townsend Abraham l Townsend Maher l
REFEREE Greenridge Townsend Missilou Hillier S Lewis Lewis Mr T Nield Woodiwiss Lewis Mr N Hair L Collins L Collins Haynes Mr A Blackhouse (L)Collins Mr RlLewisEllison Stokes Williams
Karadogan Livermore Greenridge Hylton Townsend Hiller l
Ovendale Townsend Townsend Day Evans l
Mr T Nield Mr N Hair Mr A Blackhouse Mr R Lewis Mr D Drysdale Mr. B. Speedie Mr. T. Reeves
Townsend Townsend Townsend Haynes Day
(J)Clarke (J)Clarke (J) Clarke Farquharson Farquharson l n
Farquharsonl Lewis l Dolan
Lewis Abraham l Lewis Baker-Richardson l Abraham Hylton l Abraham l
Telford 1 l Azaz l Azaz l Azaz l Ellison
Cain Telford Ellison l Ellison Missilou
Livermore l Cain Cooper l Missilou l Cooper
Mr. L. Doughty Mr. S. Allison Mr. C. Hicks Mr. L. Swabey Mr. R. Madley
Fisher l Fisher l Ovendale Townsend Townsend Townsend Townsend
Lewis Lewis FISHER 1 l Fisher l Fisher l Fisher Haynes
Abraham l Abraham ABRAHAM 1 l Lewis Lewis Abraham l n Upson l
Azaz l Azaz l Twamley Abraham Abraham Azaz l Fisher l
Ellison Ellison Hillier Azaz l Azaz l Collins Abraham
Missilou Cain
Townsend Townsend
Ellison Ellison Ellison l Collins
Cain l Cain Missilou Ellison l
Mr. S. Martin Mr. S. Purkiss Mr. C. Sarginson Mr. T. Kettle Mr. D. Rock Mr. S. Oldham Mr. W. Finnie
Townsend Ovendale Townsend Townsend Townsend Townsend
Haynes Hall l Fisher Fisher Haynes Fisher
Upson Greenidge l Lewis Lewis
Fisher l Twamley Ellison l Bennett Abraham Collins
Ellison l
Lewis
Dolan Woodiwiss l Abraham Abraham l Fisher l n Abraham
Cain l Ellison l Bennett Ellison
Collins l Livermore Missilou Cain l Cain l Cain
Mr. C. Sarginson Mr. J. Oldham Mr. S. Barrott Mr. J. Ball Mr. S. Allison Mr. C. Pollard
Townsend Townsend Townsend
Upson Haynes Haynes
Fisher l Upson Upson
Lewis l Bennett l Abraham l
Bennett Collins l Cain l
Ellison Ellison l Woodiwiss
Cain l Cain (S) Lewis
Mr. O. Langford Mr. P. Howard Mr. C. Boyeson
Ovendale Day
Haynes l Haynes l
Farquharson l Farquharson
Fisher l Fisher
Collins Abraham
Cain Bennett l
Livermore Collins l
Rebecca Welch Mr. B. Huxtable
Baker-Richardson l
Ryan-Phillips
YOUR TRUST YOUR CLUB For more details and to join simply scan our unique QR code YOUR TRUST – YOUR CLUB For more details and to join simply scan our unique QR code
or visit us at www.ncafctrust.org or email us at info@ncafctrust.org
or visit us at www.ncafctrust.org or email us at info@ncafctrust.org O F F I C I A L M ATC H DAY P R O G R A M M E | 1 7
Football is a game of many opinions, but there is one that we must all share. There is no place for discrimination in our game. If you do not agree, then you are not welcome. If you see or hear discrimination in this stadium, please report it to the nearest steward or via the Kick it Out App. Because we are all #TogetherAgainstDiscrimination Download the Kick it Out app for free from your app store. 1 8 | O F F I C I A L M ATC H DAY P R O G R A M M E
EFL.com
W W W. N E W P O RT- CO U N T Y.CO. U K
Giving Football Back to Small Business At eBay, we know small business and football clubs used to be like chips and gravy, two peas in a pod – a match made in community heaven. Ironmongers, ship workers, spring makers and cobblers, all formed clubs which decades later are still prospering. But nowadays, you’d think it was all eyewatering transfers, Super Leagues and mega sponsors, detached from the humble origins of our historic clubs.
That’s why eBay are proud to support 300,000 small businesses who help power EFL clubs nationwide. We’ll be donating our advertising space to a lot of these businesses – on match day hoardings, around grounds and beyond – throughout the coming season, to ensure they can continue to thrive in our local communities. So, join us in giving your support to Small Business Power, because today, they need us more than ever.
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
O F F I C I A L M ATC H DAY P R O G R A M M E | 1 9
2021/2022 STAT PACK ENGLISH FOOTBALL LEAGUE - LEAGUE TWO TOP FIVES GOALS 2 3 4 5
ASSISTS 16
DOMINIC TELFORD
1
9
MITCHELL PINNOCK
14
JAMILLE MATT
2
9
KANE WILSON
13
MATT STEVENS
3
9
OLIVER COOPER
11
HARRY SMITH
4
7
JAMILLE MATT
10
AARON DRINAN
5
6
JEVANI BROWN
100 100 78 67 100 86 79 78 100 89 87 78 75 100 95 92 88 83 100 88 82 69 63 100 97 96 93 100 89 85 80 74 100 78 60 56
1
TOTAL SHOTS 1 2 3 4 5
CHANCES CREATED
64
MATT JAY
1
61
CALLUM COOKE
62
HARRY SMITH
2
61
JEVANI BROWN
61
JAKE BEESLEY
3
52
NICKY CADDEN
59
DOMINIC TELFORD
4
48
GEORGE THOMSON
59
JACK PAYNE
5
47
AARON MORLEY
% OF GOALS INVOLVED IN
SUCCESSFUL PASSES
1
1
2 3 4 5
52.9
46.7 JAMILLE MATT 44.7 DOMINIC TELFORD
2 3
1230 LOUIS REED 1085 DION CONROY 1059 AKINWALE ODIMAYO
42.1 ELLIOTT LIST 38.7 MITCHELL PINNOCK
4
958
EOGHAN O’CONNELL
5
912
NICKY FEATHERSTONE
FREDDIE SEARS
DRIBBLES COMPLETED
SAVES
1 2 3 4 5
59
KANE WILSON
1
70
GLENN MORRIS
46
JACK DIAMOND
2
66
PAUL FARMAN
35
DAVID AJIBOYE
3
64
DEAN BOUZANIS
35
DYLAN BAHAMBOULA
4
61
JOSEPH WOLLACOTT
33
ALEX GILLIEAD
5
58
LIAM ROBERTS
ENGLISH FOOTBALL LEAGUE - LEAGUE TWO SPOTLIGHT Scunthorpe manager Keith Hill suffered a 5-0 defeat the last time he managed away at Tranmere Rovers, losing with Tranmere Rovers in December 2020.
Bradford manager Derek Adams has only won one of three Football League games against Salford but that win did come at home, last season as manager of Morecambe, a 2-1 victory.
Data excludes matches played after Jan. 10.
2 0 | O F F I C I A L M ATC H DAY P R O G R A M M E
W W W. N E W P O RT- CO U N T Y.CO. U K
2021/2022 STAT PACK NEWPORT COUNTY
HARROGATE TOWN
MATCH FACTS & TOTAL CARDS Since winning the first ever Football League fixture between the two in October 2020 2-1, Newport have failed to beat Harrogate in each of the two subsequent meetings (D1 L1).
39
Harrogate lost their only previous Football League away game against Newport in Oct. 2020.
29 2
1
�� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� 38
35
GOALS
337
265
SHOTS
30.5
29.3
34
EXPECTED GOALS
51.9
31
25
GOALS CONCEDED
51
11.3
AVERAGE POSSESSION %
29
5
EXPECTED GOALS AGAINST
13.2
9
SHOT CONVERSION RATE %
3
CLEAN SHEETS
9
13
POINTS GAINED AFTER TRAILING
11
POINTS DROPPED AFTER LEADING
GOAL TIMES 0-15 16-30 31-45 46-60 61-75 76-90
SCORED
CONCEDED
8 5 6 5 7 7
4 5 9 5 6 5
0-15 16-30 31-45 46-60 61-75 76-90
SCORED
CONCEDED
7 7 9 4 2 6
4 5 6 7 3 6
Data excludes matches played after Jan. 10.
POWERED BY
O F F I C I A L M ATC H DAY P R O G R A M M E | 21
2 2 | O F F I C I A L M ATC H DAY P R O G R A M M E
SCAN ME
W W W. N E W P O RT- CO U N T Y.CO. U K
Newport County FC proudly presents the Exiles Picks App. Simply Download the App using the QR Code above, sign up and predict a number of match outcomes. Get those predictions right and you could bag yourself cash prizes! *T&Cs Apply. Please Play Responsibly. O F F I C I A L M ATC H DAY P R O G R A M M E | 2 3
WELCOME
HARROGATE TOWN WITH Richard Taylor SULPHURITES STATS…
2014-15
Conference North
15
Formed:
1914.
2015-16
National League North
4 (p/off)
509
Previous Names:
arrogate AFC (1914-32); Harrogate H Hotspurs (1935-48).
2016-17
National League North
11 901
Ground:
he EnviroVent Stadium, Wetherby Road, T HarrogateHG2 7SA.
2017-18
National League North
2 (prom.)
1187
2018-19
National League
6 (p/off)
1576
Previous Grounds:
ounty Ground (1914-19), Starbeck Lane C (1919-20), Wetherby Lane (1920-35), Christ Church Stray (1935-37), Old Showground (1937-46).
Capacity:
5000 (1000 seated).
464
2019-20 National League
2 (prom.) 1301
2020-21 League Two
17 ……..
SULPHURITES’ LAST 10 GAMES…
F-A
Att:
20 Nov:
Salford City
H
0-2
2814
23 Nov:
Carlisle United
A
2-0
3172
27 Nov:
Swindon Town
A
1-1
8199
04 Dec:
ortsmouth P (FA Cup Round 2)
A
2-1
7857
Best in FA Amateur Cup: Third Qualifying Round, 1950-51.
07 Dec:
Forest Green Rovers
H
1-4
1619
Record Win:
1 3-0 v Micklefield Welfare, Yorkshire League Division 2, April 1969.
11 Dec:
Northampton Town
H
1-2
2168
Record Defeat:
1 -10 v Methley United, West Yorkshire League Division 1, August 1956.
18 Dec:
Sutton United
A
0-1
2720
21 Dec:
Record Crowd:
280 v Harrogate Railway Athletic, 4 Whitworth Cup Final, May 1950.
ranmere Rovers T (EFL Trophy Round 2)
A
2-1
……...
04 Jan:
arlisle United C (EFL Trophy Round 3)
H
1-0
928
Best League Position: 17th,League Two, 2020-21. Best in FA Cup:
Round 3, 2021-22.
Best in League Cup:
Round 2, 2020-21.
Best in FA Trophy:
Winners, 2019-20 (played in 2020--21).
Best in FA Vase:
Round 4, 1989-90.
Record Appearances: P aul Williamson, 435 games (1980-85 and 1986-93). Record Signing:
elieved to be Luke Armstrong, B undisclosed fee from Salford City, June 2021.
Scorers: Armstrong 11, Muldoon 7 (2 pens), Pattison 7, Diamond (returned to Sunderland) 6, Orsi-Dadomo (now on loan to Boreham Wood) 6 (“1 pen.), Thomson 3, Kerry 2, Power 2. Two own goals.
Record Departure:
allum Howe, undisclosed fee to Solihull C Moors, July 2019.
IN THE BEGINNING …
SULPHURITES’ LEAGUE JOURNEY … 1919-20 West Riding County Amateur League; 1920-21 Yorkshire League; 1921-22 Midland League; 1922-31 Yorkshire League; 1931-32 Northern League; 1932-35 disbanded; 1935-39 West Riding County Amateur League; 1939-57 West Yorkshire League; 1957-58 Yorkshire League Division 2; 1958-67 Yorkshire League Division 1; 1967-70 Yorkshire League Division 2; 1970-72 Yorkshire League Division 3; 1972-78 Yorkshire League Division 2; 1978-81 Yorkshire League Division 3; 1981-82 Yorkshire League Division 2; 1982-85 Northern Counties East League Division 1 (N); 1985-86Northern Counties East League Division 1; 1986-87 Northern Counties East League Premier Division; 1987-2002 Northern Premier League Division 1; 2002-04 Northern Premier League Premier Division; 2004-18 Conference/National League North; 2018-20 National League; 2020- League Two.
SULPHURITES’ LAST 10 SEASONS …
Football first arrived in the West Yorkshire spa town of Harrogate in 1907, though the club bearing the same name as this afternoon’s visitors lasted just a few months and it was another seven years before the round ball rolled again when, at the AGM of Harrogate RFC, two club officials put forward the idea of ‘adopting the soccer code’. The suggestion was unanimously approved at a subsequent public meeting at the town’s YMCA and Harrogate AFC were born, immediately settling at the rugby club’s County Ground home. AFC folded in 1932, with Harrogate Hotspurs surfacing three years later, before changing their name to Harrogate Town – the title of the original club – in 1948 to remind visiting teams they were playing the senior team in the town. They owe their ‘Sulphurites’ nickname to the ‘medicinal sulphur water’ from the town’s spa, which also explains their history of first amber and now yellow playing kits.
HIGHLIGHTS
Season
League
Position
Av. Att.
2011-12
Conference North
15
429
2012-13
Conference North
6
437
2013-14
Conference North
9
583
24 | O F F I C I A L M ATC H DAY P R O G R A M M E
Harrogate AFC won the West Yorkshire Riding County Cup at Elland Road in 1927 to complete a league and cup double and prompt the local newspaper to report that ‘as Morphet gathered a pass from Jack Smith and crashed the ball home, sticks and umbrellas were flung in the air as respectable, law-abiding citizens among Harrogate folk became raving lunatics for the moment.’
W W W. N E W P O RT- CO U N T Y.CO. U K
Sadly, just five years later, the ‘lunatics’ had no team to support as after just one season in the Northern League, the club folded due to financial difficulties. Harrogate Town contested the prestigious Harrogate FA Whitworth Cup Final against neighbours and arch rivals Harrogate Railway Athletic in 1950 and, despite losing 3-0, the 4280 attendance remains a club record. These days, Harrogate RA, formed the same year as Town and operating just a level below at the turn of the century, compete in the Northern Counties East League Division One. Town did not dwell on their Final defeat as they have won the Whitworth Cup eight times since (and 13 in total), most recently in 1996. They have also won the West Riding County Cup on six occasions, with their last success 14 years ago. Sulphurites’ rise in recent seasons has been rapid, with promotion from National League North in 2018 followed by a playoff appearance in their inaugural National League season and promotion to League Two, courtesy of a convincing 3-1 Play-off Final victory over Notts County in 2020. Manager Simon Weaver, son of chairman Irving, has been in post since 2009 and the duo have lifted the club from sixth tier strugglers to the Football League.
DON’T MENTION
• M ethley United. Town suffered their record defeat, 1-10, at home to United in a West Yorkshire League Division 1 encounter in August 1956. These days, the phoenix Methley United AFC, based in the village of that name south of Leeds, operate at district level, but can boast a staggering 29 teams, from junior to veterans. • 9 57-68. Harrogate had always worn combinations of amber and black from their formation in 1914, though following their election to the Yorkshire League in 1957, manager Jack ‘Boss’ Townrow felt that it was time for a new image. The twicecapped former Clapton Orient, Chelsea and Bristol Rovers centre half decided upon red shirts and white shorts and they retained the combination for the next 10 years until Townrow’s departure, when a selection committee opted for blue and white stripes. The new style was not popular and, following relegation to the Yorkshire League Second Division, amber and black returned for 1968-69. • T he 1990s. While the UK was in the midst of Brit Pop and Cool Britannia, all was quite dreary at Wetherby Road, as Sulphurites drifted around in the lower reaches of the Northern Premier League First Division. Town actually ended up bottom in the 1995-96 campaign, with a 17th placed finish and two 19th places spots in a decade to forget.
SULPHURITES TODAY
Wetherby Road return? Sulphurites were disappointed to see six-goal on loan winger Jack Diamond return to parent club Sunderland last week following a Covid-19 outbreak at The Stadium of Light. The 20-year-old was on a season long loan at Wetherby Road, his second temporary spell at our visitors, though the EFL have granted permission for him to return to Yorkshire once Black Cats’ playing squad returns to full strength. Harrogate assistant manager Paul Thirlwell told ‘The Harrogate Advertiser’ that he is confident that six-goal Diamond will indeed return. ‘It is a blow to lose Jack, he has been doing so well for us, but hopefully, all being well, he is going to be coming back before
the end of the month. I can’t say that it will happen 100 per cent because Jack is a Sunderland player. The decision is not ours to make, so I can’t guarantee it, but we have been in constant dialogue with them, and I expect that he will return - that is the plan. It might be that he has to stay there for a week or a couple of weeks, I don’t know the extent of their Covid issues. But, Jack being here has been working well for all parties, so we look forward to him being able to come back to us.’
MANAGER’S VIEW
Simon Weaver reflecting on last weekend’s 4-0 FA Cup defeat at Luton Town. ‘I think itwas broadcast as far as Vietnam and other different countries in Asia and I guess we would have caught the eye. The hardest part, I think, is actually opening teams up and we did that. We cut Luton to shreds down our right in the first half, there was a lot of good football.If we had just found the back of the net on occasions where it looked straightforward to score, we would be looking at an entirely different outcome. It is about getting it right in the big moments and unfortunately we ended up on the wrong end of it. Footballing wise, between the two boxes we were great. If it was a boxing match, I think we would have won on points.’’
FANS’ VIEWS
‘That is all? Wow! It sounded like a lot more over ESPN+. Hats off to the 330. Fantastic support!’ ‘@diannejolley1’ commenting on the Harrogate travelling support at Luton Town last weekend. ‘Was a good game. I think we can be happy that we made it as far y as we did.’ ‘@MiNi_Sloths’ reflecting on Harrogate’s best-ever FA Cup run. ‘Last season was amazing. Our first season in the Football League, we stayed up comfortably and won the FA Trophy for the first time in our history. I won’t be happy now unless we improve our league position. Simon Weaver has overseen two promotions and a cup win in the last three years, and remains the longest-serving manager in the Football League, having been with us since 2009. Our most under-rated player is central midfielder Lloyd Kerry. Calm, a fantastic passer and loves a tackle.’’ Katherine Swinn with the Sulphurites’ snapshot. Andy Thurston with the Ammies’ history lesson for readers of ‘FourFourTwo’ magazine.
THE COUNTY CONNECTION
Season Competition
Home
Away
2020-21
League Two
2-1
1-2
2021-22
League Two
2-2 (1687)
O F F I C I A L M ATC H DAY P R O G R A M M E | 25
MEET THE PLAYERS & STAFF OF
HARROGATE TOWN by PHIL TANNER
01 Mark Oxley GOALKEEPER
Joined in the summer after 44 appearances last season for relegated Southend, who he joined in 2016 from Hibernian. M a r k re p l a c es J a m es Belshaw, who joined Bristol Rovers for an undisclosed fee in July. He won two Player of the Year awards for the Essex club. He started his career at Rotherham United before joining Hull City, from where he spent time on loan at Walsall, Grimsby Town, Burton Albion and Oldham.
02 Ryan Fallowfield DEFENDER
First joined on a three-month loan from Hull City that was made permanent in 2015. After one season Ryan returned to Humberside to spend a year in the National League with North Ferriby but he returned to Town in May 2017. The right back was a key player in promotion to the National League and then to the Football League, providing a memorable assist for the opening goal in the Wembley playoff final.
03 Lewis Page DEFENDER
Left back signed in July after a season with Exeter City, before which he played for Charlton Athletic. The 25-year old came through the academy at West Ham and played for them in the Europa League in 2015. After loans at Cambridge United and Coventry City, for whom he made 22 appearances in League One in 2016-17, Lewis joined Charlton in 2017 and went on to make 27 appearances for the South Londoners.
26 | O F F I C I A L M ATC H DAY P R O G R A M M E
04 Josh Falkingham MIDFIELDER
A junior with hometown Leeds before a brief spell with Scottish Premier side St Johnstone in 2010, Josh stayed north of the border with Arbroath and Dunfermline, whom he captained and helped win promotion to the Scottish Championship. He signed for Darlington in 2016 before captaining Harrogate to promotion to the National League and then the EFL. Sent off here last season for two yellow cards.
05 Will Smith DEFENDER
Joined in June 2019 from Barnsley where he came through the youth system. Will, 23, impressed on loan at Darlington in National League North in 2018-19, making 14 appearances for the Quakers. He enjoyed an outstanding first season with Town, cementing his place in the starting line-up, called up for England ‘C’ and helping secure promotion to League Two, then made 35 appearances last season.
06 Warren Burrell DEFENDER
Club vice-captain with more than 250 games for Town under his belt across two spells and a key player in Harrogate’s rise into the Football League. Warren, 31, first signed in 2009 from Mansfield Town where he made a single EFL appearance and rejoined in January 2016 after spells at Worksop Town, Leek Town and Sheffield FC, in his home city. Previously a midfielder, he dropped back into defence in 2017-18.
W W W. N E W P O RT- CO U N T Y.CO. U K
07 George Thomson
MIDFIELDER
Last season’s players’ Player of the Year after making 52 appearances. The right winger joined Harrogate in May 2017 from FC United where he scored 32 goals in 72 matches during an 18-month spell at the Manchester club. Before that he was with Chester, King’s Lynn, Histon and Hinckley. He has now passed 150 games for Town in all competitions and has a reputation for memorable long-range goals.
09 Mark Beck STRIKER
Back recently from loan at York City in National League North, where he made 23 appearances. Mark joined Harrogate from Darlington in November 2017 and hit double figures in his first two seasons. The 6’5” forward came through the youth team at Carlisle to make 66 appearances and played for Workington and Falkirk (loans), Yeovil and Wrexham (loan) before joining Darlington. Capped by Scotland at U19 level.
10 Aaron Martin STRIKER
Signed in March 2020 after scoring prolifically in National League North for Guiseley, where he hit double figures in his first month at that level and was named divisional Player of the Month. Aaron moved to Guiseley after an eye-catching spell at Brighouse Town, where he scored 30 goals. Now 30, his earlier career included five years at Sheffield FC after youth football for Sheffield United and Barnsley.
13 Joe Cracknell GOALKEEPER
U n d e rst u d y to J a m es Belshaw across two promotions in three seasons and now backs up Mark Oxley. Joe joined Town in August 2017 from Bradford City, where he had helped win U21 titles and gained experience on loan at Scarborough Athletic and Bradford Park Avenue. He started his career with hometown Hull City and was also loaned by them to Scarborough before moving to Valley Parade in 2015.
14 Nathan Sheron DEFENDER
July signing from Fleetwood Town who can play across the back line or in the centre of the park. Nathan was with Liverpool’s academy between the ages of seven and 17 and left the Reds for Fleetwood in 2016. He was loaned to Chorley, Chester, Southport, Walsall and St Mirren. Father Mike had a playing career of 570 games as a striker and is best remembered for his time with Manchester City and Barnsley.
15 Connor Kirby MIDFIELDER
Back from loan at Altrincham this month but sidelined by injury since September. Harrogate’s first signing after promotion to the Football League, Connor spent 2019-20 on loan in League Two from Sheffield Wednesday to doomed Macclesfield Town, when he played 34 games and was runner-up in the Player of the Year award. He was with Wednesday’s academy from 2011, going on to play twice in the Championship.
O F F I C I A L M ATC H DAY P R O G R A M M E | 27
16 Alex Pattison
20 Connor Hall
Town’s first 2021 summer signing after making a switch from Wycombe Wanderers, where he spent two seasons and helped win promotion to the Championship in his first. Alex has experience in all three EFL divisions having also made 29 appearances for Yeovil in League Two in 2018-19 on loan from Middlesbrough. The Darlington-born midfielder also featured on loan for York City during the 2017-18 campaign.
A summer 2019 signing from Brackley Town, Connor was voted players’ Player of the Year in his first season at Harrogate. He had helped Brackley finish third in National League North with only winners Stockport conceding fewer goals than they did that season. The 6’4” centreback started his career at Bury Town in East Anglia and then spent two seasons with Biggleswade Town. Extended his contract last season.
MIDFIELDER
17 Lloyd Kerry MIDFIELDER
Town’s longest serving player, now 33. Lloyd started his career at Sheffield United from where he went out on loan to Torquay and then to Chesterfield. He then made a permanent move to the Spireites and spent two seasons there up to the end of 2009-10. Spells outside the League at Hinckley and Tamworth followed before his 2014 move to Harrogate, where he has added two promotions and an FA Trophy win to his CV.
18 Jack Muldoon STRIKER
Signed in June 2018 with plenty of National League experience having played for both AFC Fylde and Lincoln, where he helped win promotion to the League. Jack hit the ground running and was top scorer in each of his first three seasons. He holds the honour of scoring the club’s first ever EFL goal, away at Southend, and the first in Harrogate after their temporary spell in Doncaster while a grass pitch was relaid.
19 Josh Austerfield MIDFIELDER
One of two players signed on loan from Huddersfield Town as the current window opened. Josh has been part of the Terriers’ academy setup since the age of seven. The 20-year-old has featured twice for the Huddersfield first team, making his debut in September 2020 in the EFL Cup and then featuring in an FA Cup tie at the start of 2021. He had short loan spells at Brighouse Town and Hyde United late in 2020.
2 8 | O F F I C I A L M ATC H DAY P R O G R A M M E
DEFENDER
22 Brahima Diarra MIDFIELDER
S i g n e d o n l o a n f ro m Huddersfield this month along with fellow midfielder Josh Austerfield. Described by Harrogate’s website as a pacey attacking midfielder, Brahima started his football career in France with his local club Montrouge FC 92 in southern Paris. The 18-yearold joined Huddersfield in July 2019 and signed his first professional contract a year later, making his EFL debut off the bench in December 2020.
23 Rory McArdle DEFENDER
Returned north in the summer after a season with Exeter City, which was preceded by three seasons with Scunthorpe and five with Bradford City. Centreback Rory, 34, capped by Northern Ireland, began in his home city with Sheffield Wednesday and moved on to Rochdale followed by two seasons in Scotland with Aberdeen, then in 2012 he joined Bradford where he was rated one of the best defenders in League One.
29 Luke Armstrong STRIKER
Signed from Salford City in June 2021, having spent the second half of last season on loan at Hartlepool where he netted 13 as they earned promotion to League Two via the playoffs. Luke spent time at Middlesbrough and Birmingham as a youngster and moved on to Blyth Spartans. He then rejoined Boro and was loaned to Gateshead and Accrington Stanley before signing permanently for Salford in 2019.
W W W. N E W P O RT- CO U N T Y.CO. U K
30 Simon Power STRIKER
Town secured the services of the Irish attacker in January 2021 from Norwich City. Simon had previously spent time on loan at Dutch side Dordrecht, Ross County in Scotland and most recently King’s Lynn Town in the National League. Described by Harrogate’s website as direct and skilful, Simon became a popular figure at King’s Lynn during his two loan spells and scored twice in 11 appearances for them last season.
MEET THE MANAGER
SIMON WEAVER
Steered Town to 17th place in their first ever season as a League Two club, despite the disruption of having to start the season 45 miles from home at Doncaster’s Keepmoat Stadium while a grass pitch was restored at Wetherby Road. Far and away the longest serving manager in League Two, although obviously most of his time in charge of Harrogate was during their ascent through the upper levels of the non-league pyramid, Simon passed 12 years in the role in May 2021. He was a youth player with Sheffield Wednesday and made his league debut as a defender with two games on loan for Doncaster Rovers. He moved into non-league with first Ilkeston Town and then Nuneaton Borough, then in summer 2002 returned to the EFL, signing for Lincoln City who were managed by Keith Alexander, his former boss at Ilkeston. Simon spent 2004-05 with Kidderminster Harriers but was released when they were relegated to the Conference. In subsequent years he played for a series of clubs including Scarborough, Tamworth and King’s Lynn before being appointed as Harrogate playermanager in May 2009. After he became manager his father Irving became chairman and the pairing transformed the club from sixth-tier strugglers to National League high-flyers before reaching the EFL with a comprehensive win against Notts County in 2020’s delayed playoff final. Town have since taken League Two in their stride, with minimal changes to the squad. O F F I C I A L M ATC H DAY P R O G R A M M E | 2 9
www.kidscape.org.uk Kidscape are really pleased to have been invited to be at the home game against Swindon this weekend to mark the end of anti-bullying week, and to continue to send the message of One Kind Word which is the theme this year. Kidscape has been a charity partner with Newport County AFC since 2019 and we have delivered some of our training programmes to their coaching staff and we continue to be proud working with them. Founded in 1984, Kidscape are passionate about working with and supporting children and families who through no fault of their own, have been faced with bullying and the trauma felt when going through it, which can last for several years. Through our work, we have been fortunate to meet so many children who we have helped deal with negative behaviour and who have gained strength, confidence, and resilience after attending one of our ZAP workshops. The workshops are about having fun but throughout the workshops, we deliver a set of Kidscape tools which we share with children in learning how to deal with and manage conflict and behaviour that has negative connotations and teach them that responding in a negative way, only serves to escalate the problem. When bullied, children lose all sense of worth, value, confidence, feel lonely and isolated and the pandemic has heightened the sense of segregation as children are unsure where they fit into previous friendship groups and as a result, feel distant from friends. Kidscape also deliver online ZAP workshops, as well as face to face which gives families a diverse way in which they can engage in our workshops. I am pleased to say that we can return to delivering our Community ZAP full day workshops in Newport on Monday 21st February 2022, venue yet to be confirmed, that we would encourage families to access, free of charge.
3 0 | O F F I C I A L M ATC H DAY P R O G R A M M E
The objectives of the Community ZAP workshops are:
• Raising self-esteem
• Exploring bullying roles • Assertiveness skills • Positive body language • Cyberbullying e run alongside the children workshop, a session for W parents which has the following objectives:
• Assertiveness training • Open discussion
• Understanding modelling behaviour • Support sources. If you feel your child would benefit from attending one of the Community ZAP workshops, please do get in touch. carole@kidscape.org.uk Please look at our website and get in touch if you want to access any of our training, and be part of the journey of Kidscape in Wales, as we are always welcome volunteers to support and help us deliver our message of hope and courage to all children and young people who have been bullied. We strive to make children feel wanted, loved, valued and be a part of the Kidscape family. The Kidscape Team
W W W. N E W P O RT- CO U N T Y.CO. U K
Complete Kitchens & Beautiful Bathrooms are proud to be a family owned & run business in Cwmbran that started life well over 50 years ago by its founder Bob Urie who has recently taken his much-deserved retirement. Richard & Paul are continuing the business which has grown to be one of Wales’s premier showrooms with one of the largest displays of fitted kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, sliding wardrobes & home office in South Wales. Within our company we have our own fully qualified installers and have also been approved by the financial conduct authority to offer you finance options from Ideal4Finance on your new installation to help spread the costs should you wish. We also have our own Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Houzz, Pinterest & Twitter account’s so you can contact us anytime. We have always been renowned for our quality, service, and attention to detail. As a small company we're able to spend time with you to concentrate on every detail regarding your installation. So if it’s a new kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, or home office furniture we have the answer. We offer a FREE no obligation, plan & design service using the latest in 3D computer aided design software from Compusoft and Articad that make your dreams become reality and cover all parts of South Wales. Contact us today and quote #UTC to receive a gift when you arrange your own quotation.
Phone: 01633 860184 | Web: www.ck-bb.co.uk | Email: paul@ck-bb.co.uk
O F F I C I A L M ATC H DAY P R O G R A M M E | 31
Although you can’t be with us at the moment, we know you are with us. 32 | O F F I C I A L M ATC H DAY P R O G R A M M E
W W W. N E W P O RT- CO U N T Y.CO. U K
Congratulations to Newport County AFC Supporters Trust members David Ryan (signed shirt) & Paul Davies (signed ball) who won our latest members’ prize draw, made at last weekend’s match against Salford City FC. Although you can’t be with us at the moment, we know you are with us. O F F I C I A L M ATC H DAY P R O G R A M M E | 33
COMPETITION WINNERS
Congratulations to our lucky winners Jon Vaughan & Kay Williams! To be in with a chance of winning a copy of Football Manager 2021 follow @fortisdothomes on social media.
3 4 | O F F I C I A L M ATC H DAY P R O G R A M M E
W W W. N E W P O RT- CO U N T Y.CO. U K
PLUMBSTOP KNOW THAT OUR CUSTOMERS WANT THE BEST PRODUCTS AT THE BEST PRICE. NOT ALL CUSTOMERS WANT THE SAME THING. PLUMBSTOP UNDERSTANDS THIS AND SO WE CARRY A FULL RANGE OF PRODUCTS FROM BUDGET TO PREMIUM RANGES.
NEWPORT COUNTY AFC SEASON TICKET HOLDERS ARE ENTITLED TO A 25% DISCOUNT OFF RRP OF ALL ESTEEM BATHROOM PRODUCTS AS PART OF OUR PARTNERSHIP WITH THE EXILES. FIND US AT UNIT A2 LANGLAND WAY, NEWPORT, NP19 4PT O F F I C I A L M ATC H DAY P R O G R A M M E | 3 5
3 6 | O F F I C I A L M ATC H DAY P R O G R A M M E
ROB SANTWRIS CARPETS NO GIMMICKS, JUST GREAT PRICES EVERYDAY W W W. N E W P O RT- CO U N T Y.CO. U K
O F F I C I A L M ATC H DAY P R O G R A M M E | 3 7
SQUADCHECK NEWPORT COUNTY AFC
HARROGATE TOWN
1. Joe Day (GK) 2. Cameron Norman 3. Ryan Haynes 4 JOSH PASK 5. James Clarke 6. Priestley Farquharson 7. Robbie Willmott 8. Matty Dolan 10. Courtney Baker-Richardson 12. Alex Fisher 14. Aaron Lewis 15. Louis Hall 16. Timmy Abraham 17. Scot Bennett 18. Finn Azaz 19. Dom Telford 20. Courtney Senior 21. Lewis Collins 22. Kevin Ellison 24. Jake Cain 26. James Waite 28. Mickey Demetriou 30. Nick Townsend (GK) 31. Ollie Cooper 41. Joe Woodiwiss
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 10 13 14 15 16 17 19 19 20 21 22 23 29 30
Manager: James Rowberry
TODAY’S SKYBET LEAGUE TWO FIXTURES (All games kick-off at 3.00 PM unless stated otherwise)
BRADFORD CITY vs SALFORD CITY BRISTOL ROVERS vs HARTLEPOOL UNITED CARLISLE UNITED vs CRAWLEY TOWN COLCHESTER UNITED vs BARROW AFC EXETER CITY vs SCUNTHORPE UNITED MANSFIELD TOWN vs WALSALL NEWPORT COUNTY vs HARROGATE TOWN (12.30) NORTHAMPTON TOWN vs FOREST GREEN ROVERS OLDHAM ATHLETIC vs LEYTON ORIENT PORT VALE vs SWINDON TOWN STEVENAGE vs SUTTON UNITED TRANMERE ROVERS vs ROCHDALE
MANAGER: Simon Weaver
MARK OXLEY (GK) RYAN FALLOWFIELD LEWIS PAGE JOSH FALKINGHA M WILL SMITH WARREN BURRELL GEORGE THOMSON MARK BECK AARON MARTIN JOE CRACKNELL NATHAN SHERON CONNOR KIRBY ALEX PATTISON LLOYD KERRY JACK MULDOON JOSH AUSTERFIELD CONNOR HALL JACK DIAMOND BRAHIMA DIARRA RORY MCARDLE LUKE ARMSTRONG SIMON POWER
INCHARGE Assistant - Ravel Cheosiaua
Referee - Ollie Yates Assistant - Mark Derrien
NEXT UP AT HOME BARROW AFC
SATURDAY 29 JANUARY 2022 KICK-OFF 3.00PM SKYBET LEAGUE TWO
Fourth Official - Sam Allison
ON THE ROAD
SCUNTHORPE UNITED
SATURDAY 22ND JANUARY 2022 KICK-OFF 7.45pm SKYBET LEAGUE TWO
#ONECLUBONECOUNTY