Newport County AFC U18 fell to a 2-1 defeat at Lliswery School against Forest Green Rovers in the EFL Youth Alliance League South.
This was the Exiles first defeat of the season after drawing 2-2 at home against Yeovil Town in their opening game of the season, as they look to retain their Merit League 1 title.
County started the game well, with Tom Savigar’s shot deflected just over in the 7th minute of the game after some good play from Newport’s midfield.
The next few minutes were contested with both teams looking to play the diagonal ball from their defense, however in the 16th minute the referee gave a penalty to Forest Green after a challenge was made in the box.
Forest Green player Jesse Mauasary stepped up to take the penalty which was saved by County ‘keeper Matthew Mayor after his right-footed shot directed towards the middle of the goal.
Four minutes later an indirect free-kick was given against County.
As a result of this, Rovers set up Jay Malstiawsky who slotted the ball below the wall and past keeper’ Mayor, which put Forest Green Rovers up 1-0.
In the 25th minute the young Exiles determination to score payed off after Tom Hillman drilled the ball past keeper’ Lehman, which was a result of some good passing from County, putting the young side level with Rovers again.
Tom Hillman had the last big chance of the half in the 33rd minute after a fancy flick from Cook teed the ball up for the forward, who shot from 25 yards-out with his shot just floated over the crossbar.
As the second-half began, County had conceded another penalty, and this time Forest Green’s skipper Jordan Stevens slotted home past Mayor in the 48th minute, to give Rovers a 2-1 lead.
County’s misery continued as wide Tom Hillman was sent off ten minutes later as his tackle was deemed to be dangerous by the referee.
County kept trying to score a much-needed goal, and Michael Cook’s efforts almost payed off as he kept on running in behind the Rovers defence.
County had a late penalty claim after Josh Williams went down under pressure in the box, which was dismissed by the referee in the dying minutes of the game as the youth team lost 2-1 against Forest Green in their second game of the season.
Your next opportunity to watch the young Exiles in action is their next home fixture in the Youth Alliance league, against AFC Bournemouth at Lliswery School on the 29th August. (11:00 Kick Off).