Barnet have met Newport just three times before. The first time was in 1970 in the 1st round of the FA Cup and the Bees, then a Southern League side but Football League side, County an astonishing 6-1 at Underhill with Ricky George scoring a hat trick. Goals from Colin Powell, Lou Adams and an own goal completed the scoring.
In 1988/89, Barnet completed a league double in the Conference scoring 11 goals in the process, including an amazing 7-1 win at Somerton Park with a Gary Abbott hat trick, a brace for Nicky Ironton and goals also for Wayne Turner and Frank Murphy. In the return match at Underhill, Barnet won 4-1; Darren Angell, Nicky Evans, Dave Sansom and Abbott getting the Barnet goals.