Newport City 3-1 Ammanford AFC

Newport City kicked off life in the JD Cymru South in style as they secured an impressive victory against Ammanford AFC. The game was played in front of a large crowd which produced a spectacular atmosphere on a sun-soaked evening at the Newport Stadium.

The opening 25 minutes proved to be a highly tight affair, with clear cut chances coming at a premium. The first meaningful chance came when Calum Bateman saw his header superbly saved by Ammanford keeper Luke Martin from point blank range. The Steelmen were punished for the missed opportunity, as the visitors were awarded a penalty just a minute later following an alleged foul on Adam John inside the area by Owen Cuddihy. The resulting spot kick was emphatically dispatched by Lewis Reed, handing Ammanford the lead in the 27th minute.

Despite the setback, City responded well and came close to levelling on a couple of occasions. Nat Jarvis initially saw his glancing header deflect away for a corner, before Josh Graham nodded a header narrowly wide following a free kick.

The Steelmen were eventually rewarded for their efforts, as they restored parity in the 42nd minute. A long throw into the area was met by Luke Cooper, who converted a looping header into the back of net. Boosted by the goal, Cooper almost put City in front on the stroke of half time, as the defender powered a close range header inches over the bar.

HT 1-1

The Steelmen restarted the game very strongly, as they relentlessly laid siege to the visitors’ penalty area. They came within a whisker of taking the lead, as Owen Bancroft saw his thumping close range header smack off the crossbar.

Ammanford momentarily weathered the storm, and almost restored their lead when Tristan Jenkins saw his low shot inside the six yard box well blocked by Riella. The save proved pivotal, as City went in front in the 67th minute. The goal came following good work down the left channel, which led to the ball fizzing across the face of goal before being tucked in from 4 yards out by Jarvis.

With the wind firmly in their sales, the Steelmen increased their lead just two minutes later following a moment of déjà vu. Some more good work down the left channel saw Cuddihy supply a low cross into the six yard box, where Jarvis was free once again free to tap into the back of the net.

The goals knocked the stuffing out of Ammanford, as City professionally navigated the reminder of the game easily enough, reducing the visitors to mere long range half chances.

The victory for City sets a promising tone for a challenging campaign ahead. Demonstrating both skill and determination, the Steelmen capitalised on their opportunities and displayed solid defensive work. This win not only boosts their confidence but also signals their strong intent for the rest of the season, making them a team to watch in the league.

FT 3-1

Newport City Line-Up:

Riella, John, Taylor St Clair (Sub: Jones), Cooper, Garnett, Caramella-Gerrard ©, Graham (Sub: Rowe), Bancroft, Bateman (Sub: Kaplan), Jarvis, Cuddihy (Sub: Bloom)

Subs Not Used: Evelyn, Noyes,