NEWPORT, Wales (Interstat) — Newport County opened its League Two season with a 2-1 comeback victory over Harrogate Town on Saturday at Rodney Parade, defying a pregame projection that foresaw a draw.

The match, played April 11, 2026, saw the home side fall behind early but rally with two unanswered goals to secure three points. The result immediately separated the two sides in the early league table, with Newport County beginning the campaign with a win and Harrogate Town starting with a loss.

Harrogate Town struck first in the eighth minute. Forward Nathan Opoku found the net to give the visitors an early advantage, silencing portions of the home crowd. Newport County struggled to break down Harrogate’s structure for much of the first half, trailing as the interval approached.

The momentum shifted decisively just before halftime. Substitute Jack Evans, who entered the match after the opening goal, made an immediate impact by leveling the score in the 39th minute. His goal sent the teams into the break tied at 1-1.

Evans continued to influence the game after the restart. In the 57th minute, he turned provider, delivering the assist on midfielder Joe Thomas’s go-ahead goal. Thomas’s finish gave Newport County a 2-1 lead, completing the turnaround.

The match was not without disciplinary incidents. Jack Evans, the catalyst for Newport’s comeback, received a yellow card in the 45th minute. Newport defender Cameron Evans was booked in the 62nd minute, and Harrogate forward James Crole saw a yellow card in the 83rd minute as the visitors pressed for an equalizer.

Newport County managed the lead effectively in the final half-hour, seeing out the match to claim the victory. The win improved Newport County’s record to one win and no losses in League Two this season, while Harrogate Town stands at no wins and one loss. The records across all competitions for both clubs are identical to their league marks.

The outcome surpassed the pregame statistical expectations. Interstat’s game simulator had projected a 1-1 draw, while its ELO rating system gave Newport County a 70 percent probability of winning outright. The performance of substitute Jack Evans, who contributed a goal and an assist, was pivotal in exceeding that forecast and securing the three points for the home side.

Other key contributors included Newport’s Joe Thomas with the winning goal and an assist from defender Cameron Evans. For Harrogate, Nathan Opoku’s early goal and an assist from James Crole provided the team’s sole offensive highlight.

The match was the season opener for both clubs in the English Football League’s fourth tier. Newport County will look to build on the momentum of this comeback victory in its next fixture, while Harrogate Town seeks its first points of the campaign.