Match report
Newport County Defeats Tranmere 3-1 in League Two Clash
Newport County
3–1
FT
Tranmere
Mar 3, 2026
Newport County stunned Tranmere with a 3-1 victory in a thrilling League Two match. The game saw early fireworks as S. Finley put Tranmere ahead in the 2nd minute. However, Newport County mounted a fierce comeback, turning the match around with goals from M. Spellman, C. Evans, and another from Spellman late in the game. Finley's red card in the first half added to Tranmere's woes, and Newport capitalized on their numerical advantage to secure a vital three points.
Key Facts
- • Tranmere took the lead through S. Finley in the 2nd minute
- • M. Spellman equalized for Newport County in the 35th minute
- • S. Finley received a red card in the 45th minute
- • C. Evans scored the second goal for Newport County in the 88th minute
- • M. Spellman sealed the victory with a goal in the 90th minute
Lineups
Newport County
Formation: 4-3-1-2
Starting XI
- 28 Jordan Wright (G)
- 2 Cameron Evans (D)
- 4 Matthew Baker (D)
- 23 Ryan Delaney (D)
- 17 Thomas Davies (D)
- 21 Michael Spellman (M)
- 5 Sven Sprangler (M)
- 10 Harrison Biggins (M)
- 20 Ben Lloyd (M)
- 7 Bobby Kamwa (F)
- 9 Courtney Baker-Richardson (F)
Substitutes
- 24 Nathaniel Opoku
- 19 Gerard Garner
- 40 Cole Jarvis
- 13 Shaun MacDonald
- 15 Lee Jenkins
- 8 Matthew Smith
- 16 James Crole
Tranmere
Formation: 4-4-1-1
Starting XI
- 33 Marko Maroši (G)
- 2 Cameron Norman (D)
- 5 Nathan Smith (D)
- 28 Stephan Negru (D)
- 3 Patrick Brough (D)
- 26 James Plant (M)
- 8 Sam Finley (M)
- 25 Lewis Warrington (M)
- 11 Omari Patrick (M)
- 32 Zech Obiero (F)
- 29 Joe Ironside (F)
Substitutes
- 42 Nohan Kenneh
- 31 Max Dickov
- 17 Sol Solomon
- 12 Jack Barrett
- 30 Aaron McGowan
- 16 Jason Lowe
Timeline
-
2' Tranmere Goal · Normal GoalS. Finley
-
22' Tranmere Card · Yellow CardS. Finley
Delay of game
-
35' Newport County Goal · Normal GoalM. Spellman · Assist: C. Baker-Richardson
-
45'+3 Tranmere Card · Red CardS. Finley
Serious foul
-
45'+5 Newport County Card · Yellow CardB. Kamwa
Foul
-
46' Tranmere subst · Substitution 1Off: O. Patrick · On: N. Kenneh
-
60' Newport County subst · Substitution 1Off: B. Lloyd · On: N. Opoku
-
79' Newport County subst · Substitution 2Off: H. Biggins · On: G. Garner
-
80' Tranmere Card · Yellow CardJ. Plant
Foul
-
88' Newport County Goal · Normal GoalC. Evans · Assist: B. Kamwa
-
89' Newport County subst · Substitution 3Off: C. Baker-Richardson · On: C. Jarvis
-
89' Tranmere subst · Substitution 2Off: J. Plant · On: M. Dickov
-
90'+1 Tranmere subst · Substitution 3Off: Z. Obiero · On: S. Solomon
-
90'+6 Newport County Goal · Normal GoalM. Spellman · Assist: B. Kamwa
Match Stats
| Stat | Newport County | Tranmere |
|---|---|---|
| Fouls | 5 | 11 |
| Pass Accuracy | 78% | 63% |
| Offsides | 2 | 2 |
| Red Cards | 0 | 1 |
| Total Shots | 15 | 7 |
| Corners | 6 | 5 |
| Total Passes | 416 | 295 |
| Yellow Cards | 2 | 2 |
| Blocked Shots | 3 | 2 |
| Shots on Target | 5 | 3 |
| xG | — | — |
| Shots off Target | 7 | 2 |
| Possession | 59% | 41% |
| Goals Prevented | — | — |
| Accurate Passes | 323 | 187 |
| Shots Inside Box | 7 | 5 |
| Saves | 2 | 3 |
| Shots Outside Box | 8 | 2 |
Key Match Notes
- ▸ S. Finley's red card in the first half shifted the momentum towards Newport County, allowing them to regain their composure and push for a comeback
- ▸ M. Spellman's second goal in the 90th minute provided the final blow, securing a 3-1 victory and three crucial points for Newport County