Oldham vs Newport County Match Recap - Nov 22, 2025

Oldham Dominates Newport County 3-0: A Turning Point for the Latics

Oldham's emphatic 3-0 victory over Newport County marks a significant turnaround in their season, showcasing a blend of tactical discipline and attacking prowess. The Latics, who have struggled for consistency, finally found their rhythm at Boundary Park, capitalizing on Newport's defensive frailties.

Oldham's recent form has been a rollercoaster, but this match highlighted their potential. After a disappointing 2-6 loss to Bolton in the EFL Trophy, the Latics needed a statement win. They delivered just that, dominating possession with 68% and completing 79% of their passes accurately. This performance contrasts sharply with their previous outing against Crewe, where they managed only a 56% pass accuracy. The improvement in ball control and distribution was evident, allowing them to dictate the tempo and create scoring opportunities.

Josh Hawkes emerged as the standout performer, netting two goals and reinforcing his status as a key player for Oldham. His ability to find space and convert chances was crucial, especially after he had already shown promise in earlier matches. Hawkes' resurgence is a welcome sight for a team that has often relied on individual brilliance to break through defensive lines. His partnership with Joe Quigley, who also scored, adds depth to Oldham's attacking options moving forward.

Newport County's struggles continued unabated, with this defeat marking their fifth consecutive loss across all competitions. Their inability to convert possession into meaningful chances was glaring; they managed only one shot on target throughout the match. This follows a trend from their last five games, where they averaged just 0.8 goals per match. The lack of offensive cohesion is alarming for a team that has now slipped to the bottom of the League Two standings with only 11 points.

Defensively, Newport's issues were laid bare once again. They allowed Oldham to dominate the midfield battle, leading to an alarming 28 total passes compared to their own 12. This lack of defensive organization has been a recurring theme in their recent matches, where they have conceded an average of 2.4 goals per game. Coach David Hughes must address these vulnerabilities if Newport hopes to salvage their season.

Oldham's tactical setup under coach Michael Mellon proved effective, utilizing a 4-4-2 formation that allowed them to exploit Newport's weaknesses on the flanks. The Latics' ability to transition quickly from defense to attack was evident, as they frequently caught Newport off guard. This tactical flexibility could be pivotal as they look to build momentum in the coming weeks.

The psychological impact of this victory cannot be overstated. Oldham's players will gain confidence from this performance, potentially sparking a run of form that could see them climb the table. Conversely, Newport must confront the reality of their situation; they are not just losing games but are struggling to compete at this level. The pressure is mounting on Hughes to find solutions before it's too late.

Looking ahead, Oldham faces Accrington ST next, where they will aim to build on this momentum. If they can maintain this level of performance, they could quickly move away from the relegation zone. For Newport, the upcoming match against Barrow is critical; failure to secure points could deepen their crisis and leave them in a precarious position as the season progresses.

This match served as a stark reminder of the fine margins in football. Oldham seized their opportunity and showcased what they are capable of when firing on all cylinders. Meanwhile, Newport must regroup and reassess their strategy if they hope to turn their fortunes around. The stakes are high, and both teams are at a crossroads-one looking to ascend and the other fighting to survive.