Newport City 2-1 Llantwit Major
Newport City continued their blistering end-of-season form with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Llantwit Major, securing their fifth successive league win under the Friday night lights at the Newport Stadium. The Steelmen showed resilience and character to come from behind, further cementing their place in the top half of the table with another welcoming three points.
The first half proved to be a tightly contested affair, with both sides showing defensive resilience and discipline. Llantwit had the first real sight of goal 15 minutes in, but Matthew Kimmins’ low effort was comfortably dealt with by Edward King. City’s best opportunity came through Josh Graham, whose powerful strike from the edge of the area just cleared the bar following a corner. The Steelmen forced a number of set-piece opportunities, but were unable to capitalise with Llantwit standing firm at the back.
As the opening half wore on, the game became increasingly scrappy, with neither side able to find the spark needed to break the deadlock. While goalmouth action was limited, the contest remained finely poised heading into the second half, as both teams looked to inject more attacking urgency.
HT 0-0
It was nightmare start to the second half for City, as they conceded within a minute of the restart. Ioan Emanuel rose highest to meet a corner delivery, powering a header past King to give the visitors the lead. However, the Steelmen showed great character to respond swiftly, restoring parity just four minutes later. Owen Bancroft’s precise flick on inside the area found Kofi Rowe, who lobbed the ball over Llantwit keeper Jack Lansdown with a touch of brilliance for the equaliser.
Llantwit almost restored their lead when a cross to the far post found Rhys Llewelyn, who glanced his header inches wide. The miss proved costly for the visitors, as City grabbed the opportunity to turn the game in their favour. A long throw into the area from Richard Noyes was met by Lathan Garrett, who rose highest to nod the ball into the back of the net, putting the Steelmen in front just after the hour mark.
Buoyed by their goal, City almost increased their lead as Danny Hillman seized on a loose pass at the edge of the area and drilled a low goal bound shot. However, Lansdown reacted quickly to smother the ball just in time.
The closing stages were a nerve-wracking affair for the Steelmen as Llantwit piled on the pressure in search of an equaliser. Jack Shaw found the side netting, while Jonah Williams’ close-range effort was deflected into King’s hands. Finn Jennings and Jay Mackenzie also both came close for the visitors, with powerful headers that sailed just over the bar. In a dramatic finale, Lansdown ventured forward for a stoppage-time corner and nearly snatched a last-gasp leveller, as his low strike whistled inches past the left post.
Despite the relentless late onslaught, City held firm to secure a crucial victory by the slimmest of margins. The win lifts the Steelmen up into 5th place, extending their advantage over Llantwit Major to eight points.
FT 2-1
Newport City Line-Up:
King, Noyes, Cooper ©, Hillman, Bancroft, Taylor St Clair (Sub: Cotterill K), Graham (Sub: Hole), Rowe, Steadman, Bloom (Sub: Cashman), Garrett
Subs Not Used: Riella, Thompson, Williams, Young