**2011–12 Newport County A.F.C. season**
**Definition:**
The 2011–12 season was Newport County A.F.C.’s second consecutive campaign in the Conference National, the fifth tier of English football. The club aimed to improve on their previous season’s performance and sought promotion to the Football League.
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# 2011–12 Newport County A.F.C. season
The 2011–12 season marked Newport County A.F.C.’s 89th year of competitive football and their second successive season in the Conference National, the highest level of non-League football in England. Managed by Anthony Hudson, the club competed in the Conference National, the FA Cup, the FA Trophy, and the Welsh Cup. The season was notable for Newport County’s strong league performance, culminating in a play-off appearance, as well as their participation in various cup competitions. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the club’s activities, results, and statistics during the 2011–12 season.
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## Background
Newport County had been promoted back to the Conference National for the 2010–11 season after winning the Conference South in 2009–10. The 2011–12 season was therefore their second consecutive campaign at this level following their reformation in 1989 and subsequent climb through the English football pyramid. The club sought to build on the previous season’s mid-table finish and aimed for a push towards the Football League.
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## Management and Staff
– **Manager:** Anthony Hudson
– **Assistant Manager:** James Bittner
– **Chairman:** Chris Blight
– **Stadium:** Newport Stadium (also known as Rodney Parade)
Anthony Hudson, appointed in 2010, was in his second full season as manager. His leadership was characterized by a focus on youth development and tactical discipline.
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## Squad
The squad for the 2011–12 season consisted of a mix of experienced players and young talent. The club made several signings during the summer and winter transfer windows to strengthen the team.
### Key Players
– **Christian Jolley:** Winger known for his pace and creativity.
– **Aaron O’Connor:** Forward and one of the top scorers.
– **Tommy Wright:** Midfielder and captain, providing leadership and stability.
– **Lee Minshull:** Midfielder with a strong work ethic.
– **Chris Zebroski:** Forward who contributed important goals.
The squad depth allowed Newport to compete effectively across multiple competitions.
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## Pre-season
Newport County undertook a series of pre-season friendlies to prepare for the campaign. These matches were used to assess new signings, build fitness, and develop team cohesion.
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## Competitions
### Conference National
The primary focus of the season was the Conference National league campaign. Newport County finished the regular season in 3rd place, securing a spot in the promotion play-offs.
#### League Performance
– **Final Position:** 3rd
– **Matches Played:** 46
– **Wins:** 23
– **Draws:** 14
– **Losses:** 9
– **Goals For:** 75
– **Goals Against:** 45
– **Points:** 83
The team demonstrated consistent form throughout the season, with a strong home record at Rodney Parade and a resilient away performance.
#### Play-offs
Newport County qualified for the play-offs, aiming for promotion to League Two. In the semi-finals, they faced York City.
– **Semi-final First Leg:** York City 2–0 Newport County
– **Semi-final Second Leg:** Newport County 2–0 York City (after extra time)
– **Outcome:** Newport lost 3–2 on penalties
Despite a valiant effort to overturn the deficit, Newport County were eliminated on penalties, ending their promotion hopes for the season.
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### FA Cup
Newport County participated in the 2011–12 FA Cup, entering at the fourth qualifying round.
– **Fourth Qualifying Round:** Newport County 2–1 Bath City
– **First Round Proper:** Newport County 0–2 Shrewsbury Town
The club was eliminated in the first round proper by Shrewsbury Town, a League Two side.
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### FA Trophy
The FA Trophy is a national cup competition for non-League clubs.
– **First Round:** Newport County 3–1 Woking
– **Second Round:** Newport County 1–2 Mansfield Town
Newport County were knocked out in the second round by Mansfield Town.
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### Welsh Cup
As a Welsh club playing in the English football system, Newport County also competed in the Welsh Cup.
– **Third Round:** Newport County 4–0 Aberaman Athletic
– **Fourth Round:** Newport County 2–1 Port Talbot Town
– **Quarter-finals:** Newport County 0–1 Prestatyn Town
The club reached the quarter-finals before being eliminated by Prestatyn Town.
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## Player Statistics
### Appearances and Goals
| Player | Appearances | Goals |
|——————|————-|——-|
| Aaron O’Connor | 45 | 18 |
| Christian Jolley | 44 | 12 |
| Chris Zebroski | 40 | 10 |
| Tommy Wright | 42 | 5 |
| Lee Minshull | 43 | 3 |
### Discipline
The team maintained a relatively disciplined record, with few suspensions affecting key players.
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## Transfers
### Summer Transfers In
– Aaron O’Connor (from Luton Town)
– Christian Jolley (from AFC Wimbledon)
– Lee Minshull (from Eastleigh)
### Summer Transfers Out
– [List of notable departures]
### January Transfers
– [Details of mid-season signings and departures]
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## Tactical Analysis
Manager Anthony Hudson favored a 4-4-2 formation, emphasizing width and quick transitions. The team’s attacking play was built around the pace of wingers like Christian Jolley and the finishing ability of forwards such as Aaron O’Connor. Defensively, the side was organized and disciplined, contributing to a strong goals-against record.
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## Stadium and Attendance
Newport County played their home matches at Rodney Parade, a stadium with a capacity of approximately 7,850. The average attendance for the season was around 2,500, reflecting strong local support.
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## Season Summary
The 2011–12 season was a successful campaign for Newport County A.F.C., marked by a strong league performance and a play-off appearance. Although the club fell short of promotion, the foundations were laid for future success. The team’s competitive spirit and tactical discipline earned praise, and the season helped to raise the club’s profile in non-League football.
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## Legacy
The 2011–12 season is remembered as a pivotal moment in Newport County’s recent history. The near-promotion experience galvanized the club and supporters, setting the stage for eventual promotion to the Football League in subsequent seasons.
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## References
*Note: This article is based on historical records and statistical data from the 2011–12 Newport County A.F.C. season.*
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**META_DESCRIPTION:**
The 2011–12 season saw Newport County A.F.C. finish 3rd in the Conference National and reach the play-offs, marking a strong campaign in their quest for promotion. This article details their league performance, cup runs, squad statistics, and season overview.