Newport City 1-0 Trefelin BGC
Newport City secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Trefelin, a result that propels them to third place in the JD Cymru South. With this crucial win, they now sit level on points with league leaders Trethomas Bluebirds, keeping the title race wide open as the season progresses.
City started the game very strongly during the opening minutes, as Callum Bateman forced Trefelin keeper Alex Pennock into a low near post block from six yards out. Pennock was soon called into action again, as he produced a couple of smart saves following threatening strikes by Owen Cuddihy and Bateman. The Steelmen continued to dominate early on, as Cuddihy flicked a close range effort narrowly over the crossbar.
City were almost punished when a long ball into the area by Trefelin found the unmarked Declan Horgan, who tapped an effort inches wide from 7 yards after Cohen Riella was left exposed. The game then become more evenly matched after opening 20mins, with both sides creating a good selection of key opportunities.
The visitors came very close again when Lee Trundle sent Callum Saunders through on goal, but Saunders saw his strike deflect off Ethan Wynne as the ball landed into Riella’s hands. The Steelmen responded well; and had a several chances to go ahead. Both Nat Jarvis and Bateman fired low shots inches wide, while a close range strike from Bateman was well grasped by Pennock. Trefelin almost snuck in front shortly before the interval through the experienced Lee Trundle; as the former Swansea City striker struck just over bar, before he witnessed his low effort whistle narrowly past the left post.
HT 0-0
The second half continued where the first half left off, with both sides experiencing their fair share of chances and possession. Trefelin almost went ahead when Roan Pipers’s shot from the edge of the area drifted just over, while Charlie Corsby glanced a close range free header inches wide.
City responded in kind as Liam Cooper powered a couple of threatening headers narrowly wide, while Pennock produced an excellent save from Josh Graham’s strike inside the area. The Steelmen were nearly made to pay to for the missed chances, as the visitors came extremely close to going in front. A fizzing ball across the face of goal by Dan Alfei found Steve Berry, who forced Riella into a stunning point blank save from 4 yards out.
The save proved crucial as City eventually took a valuable lead in the 73rd minute. A breakaway move into the area led to Bateman squaring the ball to Jordan Cotterill, leading to Cotterill drilling an emphatic low finish.
Energised by the goal, the Steelmen seized control of the match, aiming to solidify their narrow lead. As the game entered its final stages, City managed the proceedings with composure, limiting the visitors to only minor opportunities. There were fleeting moments of tension in stoppage time when Trefelin launched a final offensive in search of an equalizer, but the Steelmen remained resolute, ultimately securing a battling victory.
The narrow 1-0 victory against Trefelin not only bolstered City’s position in the league, but also underscored their resilience and determination. As they continue to match league leaders Trethomas Bluebirds on points, the Steelmen have so far firmly established themselves as strong contenders in the JD Cymru South title race. The team will be looking to build on this momentum as the season unfolds, with every point now proving crucial in the battle for promotion to the Cymru Premier.
FT 1-0
Newport City Line-Up:
Riella, Noyes, John (Sub: Taylor St Clair), Cooper, Caramella-Gerrard ©, Cuddihy (Sub: Cotterill), Bancroft, Bateman (Sub: Ogugua), Graham (Sub: Phillips), Jarvis (Sub: Williams), Wynne
Subs not used – Westhead, Bloom