Newport County vs Grimsby Highlights & Replay

On September 26, 2026, Newport County hosted Grimsby Town in a League Two clash that delivered high intensity and late drama. Both teams looked to assert themselves early in a contest defined by physical battles and clinical second-half finishing.

A Tense Opening Exchange

The first half was characterized by missed opportunities and tactical caution. Grimsby Town looked the more threatening side in the early stages, with Iwan Morgan coming close twice in the opening twenty minutes. Newport County goalkeeper Jordan Wright was called into action to deny Mark Shelton with a fine save in the 17th minute. Grimsby's momentum was hampered when Mark Shelton was forced off through injury, replaced by Ryley Reynolds. Despite late pressure from Newport’s Harrison Biggins, the breakthrough remained elusive as both teams headed into the interval with the scoreline deadlocked at 0-0.

Newport Seize Control

The narrative shifted significantly after the restart as Newport County found their clinical edge. In the 57th minute, Christian Doidge broke the deadlock with a well-placed right-footed shot following an assist from Cameron Norman. Building on this momentum, the hosts doubled their lead in the 69th minute. A corner delivery from Ciarán Brennan found Shaquille Gwengwe, who rose highest to head the ball home from close range. At 2-0, Newport appeared to be cruising toward a comfortable victory while Grimsby struggled to find a way back into the game.

Late Scare and Defensive Resilience

The final ten minutes brought unexpected tension to Rodney Parade. In the 83rd minute, an unfortunate own goal by Jordan Wright gifted Grimsby Town a lifeline, setting up a frantic conclusion. With eight minutes of added time announced, the atmosphere became electric. Newport was forced into defensive mode, with Matty Jacob picking up a yellow card for a cynical foul to halt a counter-attack. Despite the late pressure from the visitors, Newport County held firm to secure a 2-1 victory, earning three valuable points in front of their home support.