Newport City 5-4 Penrhyncoch FC
Newport City extended their impressive run of victories to fourteen successive games following an enthralling FAW Amateur Trophy final victory against Penrhyncoch at Latham Park, Newtown.
City started the game on fire, and got off to a dream start after only five minutes. Following a goalmouth scramble, Calum Bateman tucked in low finish from close range to put the Steelmen in front. City almost doubled their lead minutes later, as James Bloom struck a half volley over from six yards after a throw into the area.
Penrhyncoch managed to weather the storm; and began to control the reminder of the opening half. Cohen Riella was forced into blocking a threatening shot from Daniel Owen, while Owen also saw a looped effort deflect on to the top of the net. The Roosters were eventually rewarded for their pressure, as they levelled in the 20th minute. The goal came following a spectacular 25 yard strike from Harri Horwood, who curled the ball into the back of net off the right post.
Boosted by the goal, Penrhyncoch continued to push forward in numbers; and almost went in front before the interval. Horwood powered a strong header over the bar, while Zac Davies dragged a low shot inches past the left post.
City attempted to restore their advantage, as Bateman sent a flying header over the bar following a cross into the area by Frederick Stevens. At the other end, Cameron Allen almost flicked in a close range finish for the Roosters, but the ball was gathered by Riella.
HT 1-1
The Steelmen restarted the game in the worst possible way, as Penrhyncoch went ahead in the 47th minute. A corner delivery was met by the unmarked Rhys Jenkins, who looped a header over Riella as the ball flew into back of the net. Things got even worse for City, as the Roosters extended their lead eight minutes later. After Riella failed to collect the ball from a corner, Dion Phillips saw his overhead kick deflect off Stevens as the ball landed over the goal line.
Despite the setback, the Steelmen responded back immediately through Cole Jarvis, who tucked a low finish into the bottom right corner after a throw into area by Richard Noyes. Buoyed by the goal, City were remarkably level four minutes later, as Noyes saw his curling delivery from the edge of the area fly straight into the bottom right corner.
Penrhyncoch nearly restored their lead following an unstoppable run into area by Owen, who saw his low shot skim off the right post. Riella also needed to be alert to grasp a dangerous strike from Tomos Evans.
The Steelmen upped the tempo during the closing stages, with their set pieces in particular causing a lot of problems for the Roosters’ defence. They almost scored when James Bloom’s header from a corner was cleared off the goal line. Sam Houldworth’s side did eventually complete their stunning comeback in the 88th minute, leading to pandemonium erupting from City’s bench. After Penrhyncoch failed to deal with Noyes’ throw into the area, the loose ball dropped to Joseph Ogugua, who calmly tucked in from six yards. The Steelmen then remarkably extended their lead in the 91st minute as Ogugua registered his second goal of the game, by flicking in another close range finish following a long throw in by Bloom.
There was still time for the Roosters to cause a nervy ending, as Tomos Evans saw his strike from the edge of area squeeze into the bottom left corner in the 95th minute.
City ultimately managed to navigate the rest of the game successfully enough, as they lifted the FAW Amateur Trophy for the first time in their history. With silverware secured, this memorable triumph also enabled the Steelmen to maintain their 100% winning record in 2024. The club will now aim to achieve further success this season, as they look to re-focus their efforts on securing promotion from the Ardal League South East.
FT 5-4
Newport City Line-Up:
Riella, Noyes, Cuddihy, Jarvis, Bloom, Stevens (Sub: Hudson), Taylor St Clair (Sub: Passmore), Bateman (Sub: Francombe), Ellis (Sub: Mickiewicz), Ogugua, Mackenzie
Sub not used: Corey Hallett