Bristol Rovers v Newport County
Sky Bet League Two, The Memorial Stadium, Saturday 22 August 2026, 12:30pm KO
Bristol Rovers will return to The Memorial Stadium for their first home fixture of the Sky Bet League Two season when they welcome Newport County in the Severnside Derby.
The Pirates wanted to start where they left off at the end of the 2025/26 campaign but fell to defeat on opening day. Steve Evans' men travelled to York City and led through Clinton Mola before second-half goals from Alex Newby and Harry Boyes turned the score around. Tommy Leigh levelled from the penalty spot before Boyes headed in the winner moments later.
The Gas will now look to get back on track and earn an eighth straight league victory at The Mem, with their previous defeat coming all the way back in February, when they lost 3-2 to Chesterfield.
Newport got their campaign off to a flying start, securing a 3-0 win over Rochdale at The Rodney Parade.
Read everything you need to know about the fixture below...
Tickets...
Tickets are still available for our fixture at home to Newport!
A streamlined pricing structure means a single price band is now operating at Bristol Rovers for the 2026/27 Sky Bet League Two season, with Early Bird pricing available for online purchases up until the start of kick-off!
Tickets purchased in person at our Matchday Ticket Office will include a minor price increase of two pounds across the board, implemented to encourage supporters to purchase tickets in advance and help the Club to forecast required staffing and stewarding appropriately.
Opposition...
Newport have been in Sky Bet League Two since the 2013/14 season and have twice lost the play-off final in that time. However, in recent seasons, the Exiles have been battling towards the bottom.
After a 22nd-place finish in the 2024/25 campaign, Newport were up against it again last term and had to secure their survival on the final day. Three wins in their last four proved crucial, beating Harrogate Town and Oldham Athletic before a 2-1 triumph over Barrow sealed their place in the EFL.
The Exiles lost some key players in the summer, with Bobby Kamwa, who netted winners against Oldham and Barrow, moving to the Gas. Matt Baker, Michael Spellman, and Sven Sprangler also moved on, but they were able to keep hold of Harrison Biggins, who moved to the club permanently from Shrewsbury Town after a successful loan.
Incomings such as Kyle Cameron, Cameron Norman, and Dan Sassi will provide a solid foundation, while Shaquille Gwengwe, who switched from Poole Town after scoring 47 goals across all competitions last term, will certainly be one to watch.
Christian Fuchs led Newport to survival last term, but he departed in the summer and has been replaced by Hayden Mullins in the dugout. The 47-year-old led Newport to a 3-0 win over Rochdale last weekend, so his side will have plenty of confidence heading into this contest.
Previous Meetings...
Rovers have won their last three fixtures against Newport across all competitions, completing the league double over their rivals last term. The Pirates won 3-2 at Rodney Parade last term, with Luke Thomas bagging a brace before Ellis Harrison got the Gas' third.
Back at The Mem in January, Rovers cruised to a 3-0 victory, with Yusuf Akhamrich announcing himself at the home ground. The Tottenham Hotspur loanee curled in a superb left-footed effort to break the deadlock, then added his second before the half-hour mark. Fabrizio Cavegn sealed the victory in the final moments with a thumping finish, rounding off a league double in the Severnside derby.
Opening Times...
Club Store: 9am – 12:30pm and full-time - 3:30pm
Ticket Office: 9am
Hospitality: 10am
Thatchers’ Bar: 10am
BRFC Legends Bar: 10am
Home Pukka Fanzone: 10am
Away Fanzone: 10am
Access for disabled supporters: 10:45am
Bars after Turnstile: 11am
Home Turnstiles: 11am
Away Turnstiles: 11am
Staying safe at The Mem...
Bristol Rovers wants all attendees to enjoy football in a safe and inclusive environment.
Seated tickets come with an allocated seat and row number, and supporters are kindly reminded to sit only in the seat that comes with the ticket.
Furthermore, Bristol Rovers must ensure we operate in full accordance with EFL ground regulations. A particular issue that has been fed back by some fans is persistent standing. Supporters wishing to stand for matches are kindly advised to locate themselves in one of the available terraces.
Additionally, Bristol Rovers would like to remind all supporters that throwing objects onto the pitch or entering the field of play is strictly prohibited. Both offences are criminal acts under UK law. Anyone involved can face arrest, fines and potential banning orders. We ask all fans to support the team responsibly and help us maintain a safe and respectful matchday environment.
Bristol Rovers is committed to removing and eliminating any direct or indirect discrimination of any form or kind within club structures and will, under no circumstances, condone unlawful discriminatory practices. To discover how to report any incidents of discrimination, click here.
Match Officials...
Referee: Simon Mather
Assistant Referee: Greg Read and Sean Rothwell
Fourth Official: Niall Smith
