Newport County will welcome Swansea City to Rodney Parade for an all-Welsh affair in the first round of the Carabao Cup, so we have taken a trip down memory lane to revisit some of the Exiles’ memorable League Cup fixtures.
It will be the first meeting between the two sides since 2006, although the Exiles have played the Swans' Under-21s side twice in the EFL Trophy since then.
The tie, which will be played over the weekend of Saturday 5th September, will also give Josh Sheehan the chance to play against his former club, who won the competition in 2013.
The Exiles haven’t gone beyond the second round of the competition since their return to the EFL but they have still recorded some memorable moments.
Brighton & Hove Albion 1-3 Newport County AFC (6th August, 2013)
County recorded a big win on their return to the competition following their promotion from the National League.
Ashley Barnes gave the Seagulls a first-half lead but the Exiles hit back after Iñigo Calderón saw red for the Sky Bet Championship side.
Danny Crow came off the bench to bag a brace before fellow replacement Conor Washington sealed the win with a late strike in front of more than 8,000 at the AMEX Stadium.
Southend United 0-2 Newport County AFC (8th August, 2017)
It was another solid display from the men in amber as they shocked their League One opponents.
After a goalless first 45 minutes, Bristol City loanee Shawn McCoulsky scored twice in six minutes to ensure progression to the second round for the first time in four years.
Four of the starting XI that day – Robbie Willmott, Matty Dolan, Scot Bennett and Mickey Demetriou – are still part of the squad.
Cambridge United 1-4 Newport County AFC (14th August, 2018)
The Exiles cruised into the second round in style as they eased past Cambridge at the Abbey Stadium.
Two deadly finishes from Padraig Amond in four minutes put the Exiles in full control.
Jamille Matt’s header shortly after the restart put the result beyond doubt and Antoine Semenyo’s fierce drive wrapped up the victory.
Ade Azeez, who went on to join County in 2019, bagged a late consolation for the U’s.
Gillingham 2-2 Newport County AFC [Newport County AFC win 4-1 on penalties] (13th August, 2019)
In last season's campagin, County and the Gills played out a thrilling encounter in the opening round.
Brandon Hanlan broke the dead-lock from the spot but was thwarted with a second penalty, which was saved by Nick Townsend, after the break.
Tristan Abrahams grabbed a late equaliser but that’s when the drama began.
Mikael Ndjoli edged Gillingham back ahead with their third spot-kick of the game in the third minute of stoppage-time, only for County to go up the other end and win one of their own. Padraig Amond made no mistake from 12 yards.
There was still time for Ndjoli to receive a second yellow card before a penalty shoot-out decided the winner.
Josh Sheehan, Mickey Demetriou and Amond and Abrahams were all on target to see County through.
County will be looking to add another memorable night to their history in the competition when Steve Cooper's Swans visit Rodney Parade next month.
