Cardiff Draconians 1-2 Newport City
Welsh Blood Service League Cup 1st Round
Lydstep Park - 30/08/2025
Newport City produced a strong and disciplined performance at a rain soaked Lydstep Park to progress into the next round of the Welsh Blood Service League Cup. They edged out Cardiff Draconians 2-1 in a tie that had plenty of drama at both ends.
First Half
The Steelmen quickly asserted themselves on the contest and struck first after just 10 minutes. George Kabza was fouled inside the area following a purposeful attacking move; and the referee pointed to the spot. Charlie Davies stepped up confidently and converted the resulting penalty to hand City an early advantage.
The Steelmen continued to push forward and were rewarded again midway through the first half. A neat passage of play saw McKenzie Thompson calmly guide a low close range finish into the bottom right corner to make it 2-0 in the 24th minute.
While City were in the ascendency, the hosts did grow into the game before the break. Cohen Riella was called upon to make a pair of sharp saves to deny Samuel Roberts, while the Draconians also threatened with a couple of efforts that flew narrowly wide. Even so, the Steelmen’s solid structure ensured they carried a deserved two-goal cushion into the interval.
HT 2-0
Second Half
The second half began with City nearly extending their lead. Davies once again found space inside the area after being played through, but his low strike was blocked well by Draconians keeper Harry Johnson.
That miss seemed to spark the hosts into life. Samuel Roberts curled an effort just past the upright, while Sam Cawley dragged a shot narrowly wide. Riella was kept busy too, producing another fine stop to deny Harry Treharne. Their persistence eventually paid off in the 74th minute when Harri Edwards reacted quickly inside the box to fire home from close range, halving the deficit.
The final stages brought a wave of Draconians pressure, with City forced to dig deep. Luke Evans curled a deflected strike inches over the bar, before Efu Kazadi glanced his header inches wide of the post from the resulting corner.
Despite the late drama, the Steelmen stood firm under heavy rain and heavy pressure, showing resilience to secure a hard-fought victory and a place in the next round.
FT 2-1
Newport City Line-Up
Riella, Noyes, Davies (Sub: Portch), Bregua, Perrett (Sub: Cooper), Farrah, Cadwallader, Kabza (Sub: Berry), Bloom, Thompson, (Sub: Mace), Evelyn (Sub: Steadman)
Unused Subs:
Brunnock, Bancroft