Lewys Twamley’s strike proved to be enough as Newport County AFC progressed through to the second round of the FA Youth Cup with a 1-0 win over Wimborne Town.
The winger rounded off an impressive solo move six minutes into the second half when he drifted past two defenders and fired a low strike past goalkeeper Sonny Gittins.
Wimborne came close to responding through a free-kick from James Franklin which hit the woodwork, but the Exiles held out to set up a second-round tie against Brockenhurst, who overcame Truro City on Wednesday evening.
Newport County AFC Under-18s coach Declan Flanagan named several Exiles who have featured for the first team in the EFL Trophy this season - Callum Brain, Callum Ryan-Phillips, Joe Woodiwiss, Zack Maher, Ryan Hillier and Twamley - in the starting line-up.
The Exiles, who lined up in a 3-5-2 formation, started positively and enjoyed the first opportunity of the evening after Jack Karadogan’s cross fell kindly into the path of Aneruin Livermore, but the midfielder was unable to guide his shot on target.
County continued to apply early pressure and created another opportunity when Harrison Bright forced Sonny Gittins into making a reflex save as the Wimborne goalkeeper tipped the ball over the crossbar.
While Hillier also went close to breaking the dead-lock after connecting with Twamley’s cross before the Exiles skipper nodded his header marginally wide of the far post after beating his marker to the ball.
County goalkeeper Brain enjoyed a relatively quiet first half down the opposite end, but he had to be alert 10 minutes before the half-time interval to deny Ryan Horwood’s low effort.
The Exiles had enjoyed the better of the chances in front of goal and finally managed to break the dead-lock through Twamley six minutes into the second half. It was a piece of individual brilliance from the County winger as he skipped past two Wimborne defenders in the penalty area before cutting inside and firing beyond Gittins to put the visitors in front.
The home side, however, responded well to the set back by creating an opportunity of their own nine minutes after the restart through a free-kick from James Franklin. After the Wimborne midfielder saw his effort cannon back off the base of the upright, the ball fell into Miles Wilcox, who blazed over the crossbar.
It proved to be the hosts' best chance of finding an equaliser as the Exiles held firm to see out the result and book their place in the second round.
Newport County AFC: Callum Brain, Harrison Bright, Luis Bates, Callum Ryan-Phillips, Joe Woodiwiss, Lewys Twamley, Aneurin Livermore, Jack Karadogan (Dixon Kabongo 66’), Zack Maher (Charlie Bullock 58’), Ryan Hillier (C), Ethan Morgan.
Subs not used: Evan Ovendale.