BARROW, England (Interstat) — Barrow hosts Newport County on Saturday, May 2, in a League Two matchup that carries playoff implications for both sides.

The teams played to a 2-2 draw in their most recent meeting Nov. 29 in Newport. That result extended a pattern of close contests, with the two sides splitting their last four meetings overall.

Barrow enters the match after a 3-0 loss at Cambridge United on April 25. The defeat was their third in four matches, a stretch that has dampened hopes of a late-season surge. In their last 10 games, Barrow has managed only three wins, with losses to Walsall (3-1), Barnet (3-2) and Chesterfield (1-0) highlighting defensive inconsistencies. The April 3 scoreless draw at Milton Keynes Dones offered a rare clean sheet, but Barrow has conceded 14 goals in its last six outings.

Newport County arrives with momentum. The Exiles defeated Oldham Athletic 3-2 on April 25, their second win in three matches. That result followed a 1-0 loss at Cheltenham Town and a 2-1 victory at Harrogate Town. Over their last 10 fixtures, Newport has posted five wins, but inconsistency has plagued the side — losses to Notts County (3-1), Crawley Town (2-0) and Walsall (2-1) have prevented a sustained climb.

Newport’s attack has been a strength, scoring in eight of its last 10 matches, including three goals in the win over Tranmere Rovers on March 3. However, the defense has been porous, keeping only one clean sheet during that span.

Barrow will look to reverse a trend of slow starts; the team has been outscored 5-0 in the first half of its last three matches. Midfielder Sam Foley could be key to establishing possession, while forward Josh Kay is the primary scoring threat.

Newport will rely on the creative play of midfielder Harry Charsley, who has two goals and three assists in the past six games, and forward Courtney Baker-Richardson, who has found the net in two consecutive outings.

An Interstat game simulator projects a 1-1 draw, reflecting the narrow margins that have defined the series.

Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. local time at Holker Street.