Match Preview: Barnet vs Newport

Tonight the Bees play their first competitive fixture of the season in the Carabao Cup Preliminary Round against Newport County at the Hive Stadium, with kick off at 7:30pm. If you still haven’t got your ticket, grab it here!

Adult Bees: £13

Golden Bees (65 & over): £8.50

Teen Bees (12–17): £2.50

Mini Bees (under 12): £1.50

Disabled supporters: One free carer ticket

The EFL Cup Preliminary Round was introduced this season to accommodate all nine European clubs in the Premier League – with Barnet, Newport, Oldham and Accrington Stanley having to compete in an initial knockout round as a result.

It’ll be our first outing in the trophy since a valiant defeat against Brighton back in the summer of 2017.

Manager Dean Brennan gave us his pre-match thoughts:

“I think the recognition of being back in the EFL is a great achievement.”

“The carrot for both teams is to get Millwall in the next round, to play a Championship side.”

“It’s been a long summer, but our season starts today – simple as that. Now, the real business starts.”

While the Bees enjoyed a historic title win last season, our opponents had a disappointing campaign under Nelson Jardim, finishing 23rd in League Two, seven points above relegated Carlisle United, and will be looking for serious improvement under new boss David Hughes.

Hughes, appointed in May 2025, signed a two-and-a-half year deal at the Exiles, vacated his role as coach and assistant manager at Manchester United U21s to join the Welsh side.

He spoke to their club website ahead of today’s cup fixture:

“We’re really excited to get the season up and running. Barnet have recently got promoted so they’re going into this game with the momentum from last season, which we have to be aware of.”

Barnet have NEVER lost to Newport in the league, but the Exiles have had the better of the Bees in recent cup competitions.

The last time the Bees faced Newport at the Hive was an evening to forget; a 4-1 defeat to the Exiles in December 2023, with the bulk of the damage coming in the first half.

Dean Brennan’s Champions will be looking to avenge that defeat with a big performance tonight – get your ticket now and support the lads!