Newport City to take on Penrhyncoch in FAW Trophy final

The Steelmen, third in Ardal SE, beat Cefn Cribwr 4-3 in a thriller in Penydarren and will now take on Ardal NE leaders Penrhyncoch after they knocked out holders Trethomas Bluebirds.

Newport edged through at The Bont Playing Fields after falling behind early on and responding through Rhyse Hudson, Cole Jarvis and Calum Bateman to lead 3-1 on the stroke of half-time.

Cefn Cribwr, fourth in Ardal SW, struck again deep in first-half added time and it remained nervy until Martyn Mickiewicz scored in the 89th minute to restore Newport’s two goal advantage.

Even then there was still time for Kofi Rowe to pick up a second yellow card and for the Bridgend side to score a third, but the Steelmen held on to earn a spot in the final on Saturday, April 20 (venue and kick-off TBC).

DELIGHT: Newport City celebrate Calum Bateman's goal (Image: Mac Morgan)

“We don't make things easy for ourselves. Going behind 1-0, we did well to apply the pressure to get the goals,” said manager Sam Houldsworth.

“I wasn't pleased with the performance but I was pleased with the result. I am pleased with the boys that, even when backs were against the wall and the performance wasn't there, they dug in and showed the quality that was needed in that final third.

“The performance wasn't the best but they won their own battles in the end. We got over the line and that's all that matters.

“We deserved the win in the end in an entertaining game of two teams going at it from start to finish.”

Promotion-chasing Newport City beat Cefn Cribwr to progress to the FAW Trophy final (Pic: Mac Morgan) (Image: Mac Morgan)

Last season the club were battling for survival in the Ardal SE, eventually finishing 10th, and now they are in the mix for promotion to the Cymru South and ready for a final.

“It's unbelievable how far we have come. This is credit to everyone at the club who has made sure we have put ourselves in the right position,” said Houldsworth.

“We have signed well and worked well, from that we have reaped the rewards.”

City, who return to league action with a Wednesday night fixture against Caldicot Town at Newport Stadium, made it to the last four with wins against Brecon Corries 6-1, Garden Village 5-2, AFC Llwydcoed 4-1, Y Rhyl 1879 2-1 and Llannefydd 4-1.

Trethomas’ hopes of back-to-back Trophy triumphs were ended by Penrhyncoch in Carmarthen.

The Roosers went 2-0 up and Levi Rees’ strike was merely a consolation for the Bluebirds, who now focus on winning the Ardal SE title to earn promotion.