Newport County 3-2 Oldham Athletic | English Football League Two | 25 April 2026

Rodney Parade witnessed a thrilling five-goal contest as Newport County edged past Oldham Athletic 3-2 in a crucial League Two fixture on Saturday evening. The result kept Newport's playoff hopes alive while heaping further pressure on a Latics side battling to avoid the relegation zone.

Match Overview

Both teams entered the match knowing the stakes were high. Newport, chasing a top-seven finish, started with intensity and carved out early chances. Oldham responded with dangerous counter-attacks, but it was the home side who struck first through a well-worked set piece in the 23rd minute. The goal came from a corner routine that left the Oldham defense flat-footed, allowing a header to sneak inside the near post.

Oldham equalized just before the half-hour mark with a superb long-range strike that curled beyond the reach of the Newport goalkeeper. However, the hosts regained the lead before halftime through a clinical finish from inside the box following a rapid transition down the right flank.

Key Moments

• 23' – Newport take the lead via a set-piece header.
• 28' – Oldham level with a stunning long-range effort.
• 44' – Newport restore their advantage just before the break.
• 67' – Newport extend the lead to 3-1 with a penalty after a handball in the box.
• 82' – Oldham pull one back with a scrappy finish from a free kick, setting up a tense finale.

Tactical Story

Newport manager deployed a direct 4-4-2 formation, relying on physicality and width to stretch the Oldham backline. The strategy paid off, particularly from set pieces and second balls. Oldham, playing a 3-5-2, struggled to cope with Newport's intensity in the middle third and were punished for lapses in concentration during dead-ball situations.

The visitors improved in the second half by pushing their wing-backs higher, which created more chances but also left gaps at the back. Newport's third goal came directly from a counter-attack exploiting that vulnerability.

Standout Players

Newport's central midfielder was the engine room, covering every blade of grass and winning crucial tackles. His pass completion rate exceeded 85% and he contributed the assist for the second goal. The home side's left-back also impressed, delivering dangerous crosses and neutralizing Oldham's most dangerous winger.

For Oldham, the substitute striker injected energy late on and scored the consolation goal, nearly sparking an improbable comeback. His hold-up play gave the visitors a focal point that had been missing for much of the match.

League Table Impact

With this victory, Newport moved to within two points of the playoff places with three games remaining, keeping their promotion dream very much alive. The win was their fourth in six matches, showing strong late-season form.

Oldham remain in 21st position, now three points above the relegation zone but having played one game more than their nearest rivals. The defeat extended their winless run to five matches, and they face a critical run-in against direct relegation competitors.

The attendance of 5,842 at Rodney Parade created a fervent atmosphere that lifted the home side, particularly in the closing stages when Oldham pushed for an equalizer. Newport held firm defensively, securing three points that could prove season-defining.