NEWPORT County made a successful FAW Premier Cup debut with this 1-0 win over Carmarthen Town in West Wales.

A Darren Ryan (pictured) free-kick after 20 minutes was enough to seal County's Group B triumph, but they were never allowed to settle into their stride by opponents who showed plenty of effort.

With former County players Ryan Nicholls and Shaun Chapple in their line-up, the home side had their fair share of possession, but Newport were comfortable in defence with Andrew Thomas and Ryan Souter playing particularly well.

Newport manager Tim Harris said: "We worked hard for 90 minutes. It was a disciplined performance even though we conceded a lot of possession in the second half to a side that'll do well in the League of Wales this season.

"It's important now with two wins and clean sheets that we improve our league position, starting against Moor Green on Saturday."

The game started at a frantic pace on an immaculate Priory Street pitch with Town buoyed by their 1-0 away win over Cwmbran on Friday.

Newport had an early chance when Stuart James drilled in a crosswhich fell at Ryan's feet, but the midfielder knocked his effort past a post.

It was a different story moments later as Ryan slotted home a James pass from an indirect free kick into the top right hand corner.

Following his FA Cup goal against Andover, the former Merthyr Tydfil player is starting to become something of a free-kick expert.

Driving rain and a strong wind did not help the flow of the game after the goal and the match turned scrappy, but Carmarthen's giant ex-Cwmbran defender Neil O'Brien had his side's best chance when he forced County goalkeeper Pat Mountain into a brilliant diving save from a header.

With the rain heavier after the break, Carmarthen had chances to score, but they tired. Substitute Garry Shephard did well to head just wide for County before limping off with a knee injury, while Steve Cowe and Martin Paul both had chances. After beating the group leaders, County can take confidence for their next game at home to Rhyl on November 5.