Newport City 3-0 Lliswerry AFC
Newport City extended their recent impressive run of victories to five successive games following a comfortable home win against local rivals Lliswerry AFC. The win lifted the Steelmen above Risca United into second place in the league, having also played two games fewer than the Cuckoos. The victory currently places City in the promotional play off spot; and only three points behind league leaders Trethomas Bluebirds.
The Steelmen got off to the perfect start, as they went in front in the 7th minute. A well supplied pass by Loke Tyrrell Webbe found Calum Bateman on the edge of the area, allowing Bateman to fire a stunning strike which hit the inside of the post before the ball crept over the line.
City momentarily switched off as Lewis Grant came very close to levelling for the visitors, but saw his diving header cleared off the goal line by Solomon Taylor St Clair. The Steelmen eventually regained the upper hand; and doubled their lead in the 19th minute. A neat pass by Frederick Stevens was connected inside the area by Rhyse Hudson, who tucked in low finish into the bottom left corner.
Boosted by the goal, City threatened to run riot and had a number of chances to extend their lead. Richard Noyes, Tyrrell Webbe and Stevens all came close for the Steelmen, but sent presentable opportunities narrowly wide. Daniel Oldfield almost headed into his own net for the visitors, but he was spared his blushes as Lliswerry keeper Jack Jarvis tipped the ball over the bar.
City continued to pressurise as Jack Jarvis was forced into producing fine saves from Tyrrell Webbe, Bateman and Hudson. The Steelmen were almost punished for not converting any of those chances, as Lliswerry almost pulled a goal back on the stroke of half time. City had keeper Cohen Riella to thank, as he crucially deflected a low header from Paul Hill wide round the left post.
HT 2-0
The second half turned out to be less of an action packed affair, as the Steelmen looked to protect their lead. They almost came out flying after the break, only for Cole Jarvis to witness his half volley from the edge of area fly over the bar.
City continued to control the game easily enough, as they searched for the killer third goal. They almost extended their advantage through Bateman, who saw his close range shot deflect into the side netting. Substitute Dean Clifford nearly added his name on the scoresheet, but saw his curling effort drift inches over the bar.
The Steelmen did eventually seal the game in the 85th minute, as Bateman registered his second goal of the game. A sweeping move down the right channel saw Hudson deliver a sublime cross into area, where Bateman was on hand to tuck a low finish into the bottom right corner.
The visitors almost converted a consolation goal in stoppage time, as Finnley Chard’s low strike flashed narrowly wide past the right post. City ultimately navigated the reminder of the game without any bother, as they maintained their 100% winning record in 2024.
FT 3-0
Newport City Line-Up:
Riella, Noyes, Mackenzie (Sub: Cuddihy), Stevens, Jarvis (Sub: Hallett), Caramella-Gerrard, Hudson (Sub: Francombe), Bateman, Kaplan (Sub: Clifford), Taylor St Clair, Tyrrell Webbe (Sub: Passmore)