Nathaniel Opoku scores then sees red in heavy Newport County defeat to Accrington Stanley

Ghanaian forward Nathaniel Opoku lived a rollercoaster night at Rodney Parade, scoring Newport County’s only goal before being sent off in a 4–1 loss to Accrington Stanley in League Two.The visitors struck early through Alex Henderson after just two minutes, but Opoku dragged Newport level on 35 minutes, finishing calmly from a Harrison Biggins pass to make it 1–1.Newport went into the break on terms, yet the game turned after the restart. Isaac Sinclair restored Accrington’s lead on 51 minutes, and Opoku’s dismissal on 69 minutes left the hosts a man down and chasing shadows. Paddy Madden added a third on 82 minutes before Isaac Heath sealed the result in stoppage time, condemning Newport to a bruising home defeat.Despite the disappointment, Opoku’s goal continues a solid individual campaign; he has now made 15 League Two appearances in 2025/26, registering 4 goals and 2 assists.Newport will have to quickly regroup without their influential striker as they prepare for their next league game away to Bristol Rovers on Saturday, 31 January.