Newport City 1- 3 Penrhiwceiber Rangers

Newport City faced a disappointing setback at home, suffering a 3-1 defeat against Penrhiwceiber Rangers. Despite a dominant performance, the hosts struggled to capitalise on their chances, ultimately falling victim to a clinical performance from the visitors.

The Steelmen faced a frustrating start to the first half, suffering an early setback when the visitors were awarded a penalty in the 14th minute after a foul in the box by Marcus Jones. Rangers’ captain Warren Jones calmly stepped up and successfully slotted the spot kick, giving the visitors an early lead.

City nearly struck back immediately when Caramella-Gerrard’s header took a deflection and skimmed just inches past the right post. Minutes later, Richard Noyes made a strong run into the area, unleashing a shot that sailed narrowly over the bar, keeping the pressure on the visitors.

The Steelmen maintained their relentless pressure and nearly found the equaliser following a chaotic goalmouth scramble from a corner. Jones seized an opening and fired a shot just over the bar, missing the net by inches.

City were finally rewarded for their relentless efforts, netting a well-deserved equaliser just two minutes before the interval. After another scramble in the box, Calum Bateman was perfectly positioned to tap the ball in from close range, bringing the Steelmen level.

HT 1-1

The second half resumed with the same intensity as the first, with City continuing to assert their dominance. Josh Graham unleashed a powerful low strike from the edge of the area, which was expertly tipped around the left post by Rangers goalkeeper Jacob Ireland. From the resulting corner, Jones fired a loose ball just over the bar, keeping the pressure firmly on the visitors.

However, the Steelmen were made to pay for their missed chances, when the visitors regained the lead in the 67th minute. A moment of careless play from the City defence allowed Jaymie Wearn to pounce, stealing the ball inside the area and slotting it into the bottom right corner.

City pressed to equalise once more and came close when Louis Phillips unleashed a curling effort that drifted just wide of the right post. Phillips went close again, thumping a header just wide as the Steelmen ramped up the pressure in search of a second equaliser.

In stoppage time, City threw everything they had into the visitors’ area in a desperate attempt to salvage a draw. However, their efforts were thwarted as Rangers secured the win with a third goal in the 93rd minute. A swift breakaway saw Owyn Airey race clear on goal, where he calmly tucked the ball low into the back of the net.

There was still time for the Steelemen to test Ireland, who made an outstanding save by tipping Owen Bancroft’s powerful strike over the bar. However, City were ultimately forced to endure a frustrating defeat, as their recent inconsistent form continued. With this loss, Newport will need to regroup and refocus as they look to regain their form in the JD Cymru South.

FT 1-3

Newport City Line-Up:

Burden, Noyes (Sub: John), Cuddihy, Cooper, Wynne (Sub: Phillips), Caramella-Gerrard © (Sub: Taylor St Clair), Marcus Jones (Sub: Cotterill), Bancroft, Bateman (Sub: Jarvis), Graham, Mackenzie

Subs Not Used: Westhead, Bloom