On Saturday 22^ndApril, the Newport County U18s side travelled toGillinghamin the EFL Youth Alliance Merit League 1.  All players and staff knew that 3 points would see the Young Exiles crowned League Champions with two games remaining.

minutes.  A well-placed ball over the top finding an unmarked striker.  The shot ricocheted off Davies onto the post and away to safety.^thThe game started off with a fast tempo and both teams having great chances to open the scoring.  Gillingham forced Rhys Davies into an early save in the 4

Shortly after, Lewis Collins - who has recently received his first call up to U16s Wales squad - found himself in space as the ball fell to him following a good save from the Gillingham goalkeeper.  Collins’ strike was blocked well and deflected onto the crossbar.  

An early change for the Young Exiles saw Joe Hunt coming off for ThomasSavigarin the 12^th minute, the County boys thought they’d had their breakthrough through in-form^thminute and on the 36MomodouTouray finishing calmly in the bottom corner.  The lineman had different ideas as he flagged for offside.    

Just before half-time, Gillingham missed a great opportunity to take the lead but the Young Exiles defended well with TomSavigarclearing the ball off the line to ensure the score remained 0-0 as the teams went off for half-time.

The second half was a cagey affair with two well-drilled teams putting in a very professional performance.  The only goal of the game came late-on with Lewis Collins cutting inside to pass the ball through toMomodouTouraywho very calmly shot across the goalkeeper into the far corner.

With just 5 minutes of time to play, the Young Exiles were able to see out the game winning the three points and claiming the Merit League 1 Title.

game.Notts CountyThe U18s will be presented with their trophy at half-time during the

Starting XI: Rhys Davies, Liam Warman, Liam Angel, DionMolyneux, JayFoulston, Lewis Collins, Evan Press, Finlay Wood, Joe Hunt,MomodouTouray, Rhys Kavanagh 

Used Substitutes: ThomasSavigar,  

Unused Substitutes: Owen Taylor, Lucas Murray, LaurentNgunjoah, Thomas Hillman.