On Saturday 22ndApril, 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.
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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
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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. Â
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An early change for the Young Exiles saw Joe Hunt coming off for ThomasSavigarin the 12th minute, the County boys thought they’d had their breakthrough through in-formthminute and on the 36MomodouTouray finishing calmly in the bottom corner. The lineman had different ideas as he flagged for offside.  Â
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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.
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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.
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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.
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game.Notts CountyThe U18s will be presented with their trophy at half-time during the
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Starting XI: Rhys Davies, Liam Warman, Liam Angel, DionMolyneux, JayFoulston, Lewis Collins, Evan Press, Finlay Wood, Joe Hunt,MomodouTouray, Rhys KavanaghÂ
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Used Substitutes: ThomasSavigar, Â
Unused Substitutes: Owen Taylor, Lucas Murray, LaurentNgunjoah, Thomas Hillman.Â
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