EFL League Two
Rodney Parade
Saturday 3 September 2016 – KO 3.00pm
Team News: Martin Allen has revealed that Bira Dembele and Justin Amaluzor will miss this weekend’s match through injury, saying: “Bira has got sore ribs so he’s not involved at the moment. Justin is out with a hip flexor injury at the moment – that’s going to be two or three weeks." You can read the Barnet manager’s full pre-match interview here.
Last Time We Met: Barnet made light work of picking up three points on their re-arranged trip to south Wales last season, running out 3-0 winners at Rodney Parade on March 8th.
Andy Yiadom gave Martin Allen’s men the lead after nine minutes when he side-footed home from Alie Sesay’s left-wing cross. Mark Randall doubled up on the stroke of half time, bundling in from close range after John Akinde saw his penalty saved. The win was completed in the 69th minute when Akinde converted Luke Gambin’s centre at the near post.
Former Bee Mark Byrne was included in the Exiles’ side that day but has since joined League One side Gillingham.
Opposition Form: It has been a hit-and-miss start to the new EFL League Two season for Newport who sit 18th after six games. Warren Feeney’s side lost 4-1 at Plymouth Argyle in the Checkatrade Trophy on Tuesday night to extend their winless run to four in league and cup.
That result was preceded by a pair of draws against Hartlepool United (2-2) and Crewe Alexandra (1-1). Their only league win this term was a 1-0 victory at Leyton Orient on the second weekend of the season, when Jamie Turley settled the contest in the first half at the Matchroom Stadium.
Dangerman: Former AFC Wimbledon striker Sean Rigg has scored twice in his first five league games since making the switch from Kingsmeadow in the summer.
The 27-year-old netted seven times in 57 league starts for the Dons in two seasons, grabbing Wimbledon’s late second goal in the 2-0 win over the Bees in October.
He previously played for Oxford United, Port Vale, Grays Athletic and Bristol Rovers. Rigg’s best stint came with Port Vale for whom he scored 13 times in 49 starts during his two seasons with the Valiants.
One face familiar to Bees fans will be midfielder Mark Randall. The former Arsenal youngster was released at the end of last season having made 12 appearances for Barnet, scoring twice.
Last Time Out: Newport blew a one-goal lead at Plymouth Argyle on Tuesday, eventually losing 4-1 to their League Two rivals in the Checkatrade Trophy.
Jordan Green put the Exiles ahead before Jordan Slew levelled in the 51st minute. The hosts scored twice in the next 18 minutes through Jake Jervis and Nauris Bulvitis to take the game away from the visitors before Craig Tanner completed the scoring late on for Argyle.
Ticket info: You can find out everything you need to know about tickets to Saturday’s match here.
Keep up with the game: Full match commentary from every game is available on Bees Player HD, or head over to our Twitter page for match updates throughout the afternoon.
