Pontypridd United 0-2 Newport City
Newport City returned to winning ways in convincing fashion with a commanding 2-0 victory over Pontypridd United on a bitterly cold night at the USW Sports Park in the JD Cymru South league. Demonstrating resilience and tactical discipline, the Steelmen controlled the game from start to finish, securing a vital three points to boost their campaign.
City could have taken the lead within moments of kick-off, breaking swiftly into the area and finding Jordan Cotterill unmarked just two yards from goal. However, the striker inexplicably misdirected his effort away from the target.
The visitors maintained their bright start and came close to breaking the deadlock when Josh Graham sent a free kick narrowly over the bar from the edge of the area. Despite enjoying the lion’s share of possession, the Steelmen struggled to carve out clear-cut chances for the remainder of the opening half, as Pontypridd’s defence stood resilient.
The rest of the half turned into a scrappy, physical contest marked by niggling fouls and minimal goal-scoring opportunities for either side. When the half time whistle sounded, the goalless scoreline failed to reflect City’s dominance, leaving them frustrated at not converting their control into a lead.
HT 0-0
City emerged from the break full of intent and were rewarded six minutes into the second half. A well-delivered corner found Danny Hillman, who powered a header into the back of the net to score his first-ever goal for the club and give the Steelmen a deserved lead.
Pontypridd nearly equalised instantly as a cross into the six-yard box found Daniel Griffiths, but his thumping header flew agonisingly wide of the right post. The visitors responded by pushing for a second goal, with Louis Phillips seeing his deflected effort whistle just over the bar.
City’s persistence paid off when Phillips displayed excellent footwork to weave past the Pontypridd defence and fire an unstoppable strike into the bottom right corner, doubling the Steelmen’s advantage in the 68th minute.
Pontypridd attempted to fight back, with Jack Jones unleashing a powerful effort from the edge of the area, but Riella reacted well to make a strong save. However, the hosts’ hopes suffered a blow when their captain, Jarrad Wright, received a second yellow card for an elbow foul, reducing his side to ten men.
With a numerical advantage, City dominated the closing stages, relentlessly searching for a third goal. Cameron Clarke, Pontypridd’s goalkeeper, made crucial saves to deny a thumping long-range effort from Cotterill and a curling attempt from Phillips.
In stoppage time, City came close to extending their lead when Phillips delivered a low cross to Ollie Young at the far post. Remarkably, Young missed the target from three yards out, firing wide with the goal gaping.
Thankfully, the miss proved inconsequential, as the referee blew the final whistle moments later, marking a confident return to winning ways for the Steelmen.
FT 2-0
Newport City Line-Up:
Riella, Noyes (Sub: Sing), Ward, Cooper ©, Hillman, Bancroft, Taylor St Clair (Sub: Cuddihy), Graham (Sub: Young), Phillips, Garrett, Cotterill (Sub: Rowe)
Subs Not Used: Wint, Cashman, Hooper