County won the Gwent Senior Cup for the eighth time in nine seasons last night at the Mendalgief Road ground of Newport YMCA and they are now free to focus all their attention on Saturday's relegation decider against Maidenhead.
Manager John Cornforth was pleased with the performance of the youthful line-up he fielded, though he had some sympathy for Caldicot who played their part in an entertaining encounter.
"The score flattered us a little but games like these are vital for us while we don't have a reserve side and all credit to Caldicot.
"We now have to get the job done on Saturday and I hope our fans will turn up in force."
Midfielder Kris Leek, a name to note for the future, shone in the first half for County and his cross-field pass set up John Phillips who in turn supplied Lloyd Grist for their 19th minute opener.
But Leek was unfit to resume after the break and Caldicot enjoyed a good spell but could not find a way past goalkeeper Andrew Delve who captained County.
Nick Harrhy made an immediate impact when he came on as substitute striking a superb volley to put County two up.
Phillips struck from the penalty spot with six minutes remaining after David Lloyd tripped Harrhy and County were awarded another penalty when former Newport defender Lloyd Stone fouled Phillips, receiving a second yellow card from his trouble.
This time Harrhy converted the spot kick and Caldicot's plucky challenge was over.
County: Delve, Leek (Morris 46), Mouncher, Shorney, Brimfield, G Jones, Passmore, Evans (O'Sullivan 7), Tyrrell (Harrhy 69), J Phillips, Grist. Subs not used - Prosser, Hearne. Scorers - Grist (19), Harrhy (74, 87pen), Phillips (84pen).
Caldicot: Smallcombe, Wenzel (Rowberry 39), Painter, Hepple, Stone, Stevens, Lloyd, Vers, Tucker (Monday 71), Monday (Williams 83), Morley, Cullimore. Subs not used - Edwards, Young. Cautions - Stone (36 foul, 86 foul and send off), Lloyd (84). Referee - S Richards.
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