Early lead for Newport
Newport County opened the scoring after just 13 seconds, when Harrison Biggins calmly finished a quick start to give the hosts a 1‑0 advantage. The goal came from a composed pass by Christian Doidge, and the ball found the back of the net before many fans had taken their seats.
Rovers level and take the lead
In first‑half stoppage time, Bobby Kamwa’s delivery ricocheted off the crossbar and Ben Purrington headed it home to level the match 1‑1. The equaliser was a moment of relief for Rovers, who had been beaten by promoted York in their League Two opener.
The hosts then went ahead 2‑1 when Fabrizio Cavegn found the net from close range. Shortly after, Lee Jenkins inadvertently diverted a clearance into his own net, giving Rovers a 3‑1 lead.
Newport fights back
Shaquille Gwengwe pulled one back for Newport with a chip that beat Bristol’s goalkeeper, Jordan Wright, making the score 3‑2 at the 60‑minute mark. The match then entered a frantic second half, with both teams pushing for a winner.
Bobby Kamwa, who had joined Rovers in the summer after rejecting a new contract at Newport, scored his first goal for the club in the 74th minute. He curled a right‑foot shot into the top corner after cutting inside from the left, restoring a 4‑2 advantage for Rovers.
The ex‑County striker was booked for his celebrations, which included running the length of the pitch in front of the away end. He was booed by the 1,359 travelling fans, a stark contrast to the cheers he received at Rodney Parade.
Rovers seal the win
In the first minute of the eight minutes added, substitute Cole Jarvis headed in a goal to make it 5‑3, giving Rovers a two‑goal cushion. The final goal came in the dying moments when Cavegn dribbled past the defence and into an empty net, sealing a 5‑3 victory for Bristol.
The win was Bristol Rovers’ first of the season and secured Severnside bragging rights over Newport County. The eight‑goal thriller saw Rovers score five times while Newport managed three, and the match was remembered for Kamwa’s decisive strike and the dramatic finish.
