Posted by Siseko Tapile
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When Newport County edged out Barnet FC on penalties, the victory meant more than just three points – it handed Dave Hughes, the club's newly‑appointed manager, his first competitive win in charge.
The drama unfolded on at The Hive Stadium. After a 2‑2 dead‑heat in regular time, Newport survived a nerve‑shredding shootout 4‑2, securing a place in the first round of the Carabao Cup where they will face Championship side Millwall.
This year’s Carabao Cup 2025/2026 Preliminary RoundEngland was re‑introduced to accommodate more Premier League clubs tied up in European fixtures. The extra tier gave lower‑league teams a lifeline to the main draw, and for Newport it became the stage for Hughes’ first test.
Newport started brightly. In the 12th minute, Cameron Antwi curled a left‑footed volley into the top corner, sparking roar from the home fans. Just ten minutes later, Michael Reindorf doubled the lead with a low drive after a quick break. At halftime, it looked like a comfortable 2‑0 win was on the cards.
But Barnet refused to fold. Their manager pushed forward, and the first change – bringing on Ryan Galvin for defender D Collinge in the 81st minute – paid dividends. In stoppage time, Galvin struck from the edge of the box in the 97th minute, pulling one back.
Two minutes later, substitute Rhys Brown, who had come on in the 67th minute, smashed home a header to level the score at 2‑2. The Hive erupted as the referee signalled extra time, but no further goals came, and the match was destined for penalties.
In the shootout, Newport’s goalkeeper Nik Tzanev became the night’s saviour. He tipped the first Barnet attempt by Kane Smith onto the crossbar, instantly putting Newport in the driver’s seat.
Newport’s fourth taker, Cameron Evans, stepped up with composure, firing a right‑footed shot into the bottom left corner. Barnet missed two of their remaining kicks, and the shootout ended 4‑2.
Beyond the numbers, the mental resilience displayed by Newport after conceding two late goals was the real story. Coach Hughes praised his team's “never‑give‑up attitude” in the post‑match interview.
"We knew we had to keep belief," Hughes said. "The lads showed character, and that’s exactly what we want as we head into the next round."
Barnet’s boss, John McGreal, acknowledged the disappointment but remained optimistic: "It hurts, but we earned a draw against a higher‑league side. The promotion race is still up for grabs, and we’ll bounce back."
Fans on social media mirrored the mixed emotions. Newport supporters praised the comeback, while Barnet followers highlighted the late heroics as a sign of intent for the upcoming League One season.
In the ten meetings before this encounter, Barnet held a narrow edge with four wins, Newport two, and four draws. Barnet scored 15 goals to Newport’s 11 across those games, averaging 1.5 goals per match versus Newport’s 1.1. The shootout win narrows that gap and adds a psychological edge heading into future fixtures.
With the preliminary round behind them, Newport now prepares for a first‑round clash against Millwall at home. The Championship side will pose a sterner test, but Hughes believes his squad can rise to the occasion.
"Millwall are a big club, but we’ve shown we can compete with anyone," Hughes added. "The Carabao Cup is a chance to prove we belong at a higher level."
The match was aired live on beIN SPORTS, reaching audiences in Australia and New Zealand with a seven‑day free trial for new subscribers. Barnet also launched its own streaming service, Barnet FC TV, offering the first live broadcast on the platform. Highlights were later uploaded to YouTube, gathering over 150 000 views in the first 24 hours.
The victory pushes Newport into the first round of the Carabao Cup, giving them a lucrative tie against Championship side Millwall and a morale boost as they aim for a top‑six finish in League Two.
Cameron Antwi and Michael Reindorf earned early goals, while Nik Tzanev’s penalty save and Cameron Evans’ decisive spot‑kick sealed the win. For Barnet, Ryan Galvin and Rhys Brown’s late strikes were equally pivotal.
More Premier League clubs are involved in European competitions, leaving fewer slots in the main draw. The preliminary round gives lower‑league teams a chance to qualify while maintaining the tournament’s schedule.
It marks Hughes’ first competitive triumph as Newport’s manager, instantly bolstering his credibility with players, fans, and the board ahead of a demanding season.
The first‑round match against Millwall is set for Thursday, 12 August 2025, at Newport’s home ground, keeping the excitement alive for supporters.
Comments
Ashlynn Barbery
Congratulations to Dave Hughes on securing his inaugural competitive triumph with Newport County. This victory not only demonstrates tactical acumen but also reinforces the club’s strategic vision for the season. The resilience shown after conceding two late goals exemplifies a commendable collective mindset. Such performances should serve as a benchmark for forthcoming fixtures, particularly the upcoming Carabao Cup tie against Millwall.
October 12, 2025 at 02:49