Newport County v Gillingham
Emirates FA Cup First Round
Rodney Parade
Saturday November 1, 2025
Kick-Off, 3pm
Team News:
Glenn Morris will miss the game due to the muscle strain he suffered in the defeat to Salford. The Gills goalkeeper is expected to be sidelined for several weeks. However, Sam Gale and Jonny Williams are available for selection after serving their one-game suspensions last Saturday.
Euan Williams, Garath McCleary and Jonny Smith have been ruled out. Conor Masterson will also miss the game as he continues his recovery from a calf injury.
Akin Odimayo, who made his Newport debut coming off the bench in the 3-0 win against Harrogate Town, will likely be involved in the matchday squad.
David Hughes could opt for the same starting XI that beat Harrogate, with Courtney Baker-Richardson and Cameron Antwi both getting on the scoresheet in the game.
Manager Comments:
David Hughes - "Systems change but the principles will be consistent for us in the way that we try to play on the front foot and difficult to play against.
"We'll pick a team which we feels give the chance of winning. Maybe with two strikers, maybe with one. Either way, we back the players 100% to make sure that they can deliver a performance to help us be successful in the FA Cup.
"We will be all-out to avenge that result last time at home."
Richard Dobson - “They’re at home and they will look to attack us. It’s a good game for them. They got a good win last weekend, so you would think that their tails would be up after that game. They will be looking to build on that. I expect a very difficult proposition. I expect them to come with a bit of confidence about them, and it’s up to us to stamp down on that confidence and assert ourselves in the game.”
Previous Meetings:
Gillingham and Newport have met in the FA Cup First Round on two occasions, with the first fixture being played at the Priestfield Stadium in November 1954. Gills won the tie 2-0, with a first-half goal by Ernie Morgan and a late second-half goal by Billy Millar proving the difference.
The second meeting at this stage in the competition between the two Football Clubs came in December 1967, with Newport winning 3-0. Second-half goals from Alan Williams, Gerry King and Len Hill put the Welsh club’s name in the hat for the second round.
Tickets:
We have been allocated 306 tickets for the fixture, with Gillingham supporters situated in the Bisley Stand, which is covered. Tickets are now unavailable for online purchase, but they will be available to buy on the day. A price increase will apply.
For ticket prices, coach information and more, click here.
Streaming:
Audio coverage of Saturday’s fixture is available to domestic and international supporters if they have a monthly or seasonal audio subscription. Individual passes are not available for this fixture.
Odds:
Newport County win - 3/1
Draw - 9/4
Gillingham win - 3/4
Match Officials:
Referee - Ross Martin
Assistants - Darren Wilding and Oliver Taylor
Fourth Official - Ryan Saward
