Report | Briton Ferry Llansawel U18s 0-6 Newport County U18s

report

Newport County Under-18s booked their place in the semi-finals of the FAW Youth Cup in style with a dominant 6-0 win over Briton Ferry Llansawel on Monday night. 

Five second-half goals, including a stunning hat-trick from Moses Alexander-Walker, saw the young Exiles cruise into the last four after a first-half opener from Jaden Bahumaid.

The match kicked off with a burst of early action, as County made their intentions clear. Riley Lonergan's powerful strike from 20 yards was well-saved by Ferry goalkeeper Joe Holland, but the Exiles would keep up the pressure. 

Briton Ferry responded with a dangerous attempt of their own, as Caleb Demery’s curling effort cannoned off the post, and Ellis Sage’s follow-up was comfortably gathered by County keeper Bailey Hopkins.

County’s persistence paid off in the 29th minute. Cory Evans, ever a threat on the ball, surged forward from inside his own half, slicing through the home defence before firing a shot that was blocked. However, Bahumaid was quick to react, pouncing on the loose ball to smash it past Holland and give Newport a deserved lead.

Ferry pushed for a response before the break and nearly found one as Demery, who had already rattled the woodwork, struck the post once again after meeting a loose ball in the County penalty area.

The second half began with Ferry continuing to press, and once again they were denied by the post, this time Lowan Herdman unable to convert from close range. 

However, Newport swiftly punished their profligacy just moments later. A superb piece of team play, featuring Bahumaid’s perfectly timed through-ball, set up Cam Egan, who finished coolly to double County's advantage.

Moses Alexander-Walker then took centre stage, scoring twice in quick succession. First, he waltzed through the home defence and placed a composed finish into the far corner to make it 3-0. Moments later, Bahumaid again turned provider with an excellent pass, and Alexander-Walker fired home from inside the area to extend the lead to 4-0.

It only got worse for the hosts two minutes later. A costly mistake in possession allowed Cory Evans to fire home at the near post, further adding to the scoreline and putting the result beyond doubt at 5-0.

Ferry continued to battle for a consolation goal, with Demery coming close once again, but his free-kick was well saved by Hopkins, who preserved his clean sheet with a crucial stop.

The match was capped off in dramatic fashion as Alexander-Walker completed his hat-trick in stoppage time. Evans once again turned provider, delivering a perfectly timed pass to send the winger through on goal, and Alexander-Walker slotted past Holland to make it 6-0.

Tempers flared in the final moments of the match when a cynical challenge from Ferry’s Rocco Dyer on Alexander-Walker sparked a flashpoint. Dyer’s challenge earned a yellow card, and George Jones was also shown a second yellow for his involvement, meaning County finished the game with ten men.

Despite the late drama, Luke Hussey’s side secured an emphatic win and now join Newtown, Haverfordwest, and Caernarfon Town in the semi-finals of the competition. 

County’s next challenge will be a return to league action on Saturday 15th February, when they travel to Plymouth Argyle in the EFL Youth Alliance.

Briton Ferry Llansawel: Holland, Wright, Packer, Crisan (C), Penhale (Whitton 78'), Dyer, Herdman (Nicholas 71'), Owen (Lewis 77'), Anderson, Sage (McKnight 77'), Demery.


Unused subs: Ferguson.

Newport County: Hopkins, Davison (M. Evans 65'), Jones, Lonergan (C) (Lloyd 75'), Williams, Osborne, Bahumaid, McKenzie (Pugh 45'), Egan, C. Evans (Bony 80'), Alexander-Walker.


Unused subs: Needham.

 

(Lead image: Mason Jones)