Nathaniel Opoku scores early as Newport edge past Harrogate

Ghanaian striker Nathaniel Opoku set Newport County on their way to a crucial 2-1 victory over Harrogate Town with a sharp early finish at Rodney Parade.

The forward struck in the 8th minute, darting across the box to meet Ben Lloyd’s low cross and guide a first-time effort beyond Henry Gray.

Harrogate hit back before the break, Jack Evans levelling in the 39th minute with a composed strike from the edge of the area after good work by Jacob Slater down the left. Newport regained control after half-time and found the winner on 58 minutes when Joe Thomas arrived at the back post to turn in James Crole’s teasing delivery.

Christian Fuchs’s side then managed the game intelligently, limiting Harrogate to half-chances despite the visitors enjoying a slight edge in possession.

Opoku has now made 29 League Two appearances for Newport in 2025/26, scoring 6 goals and supplying 2 assists.

Newport’s attention now turns to a tough away trip to Cheltenham Town on Saturday, 18 April as they look to build on this important home win.