Newport County claimed a commanding 1-0 win over Welsh rivals Cardiff City in the Vertu Trophy this evening as the Exiles get back to winning ways in the capital.
Tom Davies' first half header against his former club proved to be the difference between the two sides this evening.
Just moments after the referee’s whistle, Michael Spellman’s cross picked out Nathaniel Opoku who laid the ball off to Bobby Kamwa for a brilliant chance, but the winger couldn’t get his shot on target.
Looking to respond with a chance of their own, Cardiff’s David Turnbull rifled a shot towards goal, but the midfielder’s effort sailed over the bar.
Continuing their positive start, Newport County were on the attack again as Opoku’s speculative effort rattled off the crossbar, forcing Matthew Turner to claw the ball out of play.
Mounting pressure, Kamwa’s inviting cross was just out of reach for an unmarked duo of Opoku and Spellman at the back post.
Kamwa found himself in the centre of attack once again, but his shot was blocked and put out for a corner.
Seeking out the opener, Sammy Braybrooke played a well weighted ball through to the on-running Opoku, but the striker’s shot was stopped by Turner who was quick off his line.
It was the Exiles who broke deadlock late in the second half as Kai Whitmore picked out Tom Davies at the back post who smashed his header home.
Half-Time
Looking to carry their first half performance into the second, Newport County’s Opoku fired a shot that looked to be heading into the top corner, but Turner’s diving save kept the effort out.
applying pressure, Cardiff’s Yousef Salech seemed to be through on goal but Lee Jenkins’ powerful challenge cut out the chance.
Cardiff’s Callum Robinson was found in the six-yard box, but the Ireland international couldn’t get his header on target.
Late in the game, Kamwa fired a long-ranged effort over the bar.
Full-Time
Starting XI – Wright, Davies, Baker, Jenkins, Ogunneye, Whitmore, Braybrooke, Antwi, Spellman, Kamwa, Opoku
Subs – Macdonald, Thomas, Brennan, Evans, Warner, Baker-Richardson, Pugh
On
Joe Thomas
Camron Evans
Ciaran Brennan
Jaden Warner
Courtney Baker-Richardson
Off
Ogunneye
Michael Spellman
Kai Whitmore
Cameron Antwi
Nathaniel Opoku
