‘They did deserve it’ Sam Houldsworth gives his thoughts on Newport City 0-2 Carmarthen
Newport City’s Welsh Cup run came to an end on Saturday afternoon, as Carmarthen marched on to the next (third) round after a 2-0 win on the road.
Going into half-time the score was level, with the Steelmen having, arguably, the better of the chances. However, not taking those opportunities came costly when the away side scored twice in quick succession – Liam Thomas opening the score before Scott Tancock headed home from a corner.
Following the end of the match, City manager Sam Houldsworth assessed the performance from his side: “First-half, like I said at half-time, we were doing well and it was a good performance from us against a good team. Second-half, I think – well they did deserve it. They wore us, we tired and we didn’t have any shots in the second-half. I don’t think we created enough.
“But no, look, they showed their quality in the end and they’re out [there] running now after the game and we’re not and we’re going for a pint, so it says it all.”
When asked if the fitness made a difference today, the club chairman responded: “Yeah, I think they outworked us. Look, I wouldn’t say they outworked us for the whole game but what I mean is, they wore us down. They kept playing the direct, the long ball and I thought defensively we were brilliant. It then took a bit of magic from their number two to whip in a worldie ball. So, that bit of magic and then it just knocked the stuffing out of us and the energy just dropped in the end.
“We’re away to Blaenavon back in the league. We’ve got to sort out our league form now. This has been brilliant to have a cup run and be in this cup – such a good cup [The Welsh Cup] to be involved in but now we need to concentrate and we need to pick up some points and actually get going in the league.”
Watch the full interview below: