Newport City 2-0 Baglan Dragons

City started brightly and carved out their first meaningful chance after just eight minutes. Bancroft rose unmarked to meet a corner, only to see his free header drift narrowly wide of the left post. The Steelmen dominated much of the opening half-hour, dictating the tempo and forcing a series of corners as they pushed for an opener. A promising free-kick from the edge of the area gave Kayne McLaggon an opportunity to test the keeper, but his effort struck the Baglan wall.

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Despite City’s early control, clear-cut chances were limited, with Baglan’s defence holding firm. The visitors gradually found their rhythm in the final 15 minutes of the half, with Dylan Thomas firing an ambitious effort over the bar from 15 yards. Thomas Davies then went even closer for Baglan, as his close-range header flashed just wide of the right post.

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However, the Steelmen’s persistence paid off in the 34th minute. A neat pass into the area from Nat Jarvis set up Bancroft, who made no mistake with a composed low finish from close range to give the hosts a deserved lead. Baglan responded quickly, as Owen Williams nearly levelled with a powerful header from close range. However, City keeper Cohen Riella reacted well to gather, ensuring the Steelmen entered the interval ahead.

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HT 1-0

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The second half resumed in lively fashion, with both sides trading chances in an open and entertaining spell. Baglan were first to threaten, earning a free-kick on the edge of the area just minutes after the restart. Daniel Mason stepped up, but his effort struck the City wall and the rebound was blazed well over the bar.

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The Steelmen responded through Danny Hillman, who broke through on goal only to see his low scuffed effort comfortably held by Baglan goalkeeper Mathew Stanton. Moments later, McLaggon’s deflected strike from the edge of the box was also gathered by the busy Stanton, who then did well to deny Danny Hillman.

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City finally doubled their lead in the 67th minute after Baglan failed to clear their lines from a free-kick delivery. Harvey Sing whipped the ball into the danger area, where McLaggon pounced with a clinical finish to mark his debut with a well-taken goal.

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The second goal deflated Baglan, and from that point on, City controlled proceedings with authority. They nearly added a third when a pinpoint free-kick delivery from Noyes found Luke Cooper, whose powerful header crashed against the left post.

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At the other end, Cohen Riella ensured a clean sheet for the Steelmen, reacting well to claim a towering header from Daniel Devey late on. With a solid all-round display, City saw out the remaining minutes with little fuss and booked their place in the second round of the Nathaniel MG Cup.

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FT 2-0

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Newport City Line-Up:

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Riella, Ward, Cooper, Garrett (Sub: Noyes) (Sub: Cadwallader), Bancroft, Hillman, Jarvis, Graham (Sub: Bregua), McLaggon (Sub: Kabza), Steadman (Sub: Taylor St Clair), Sing

 

Unused Sub:

 

Thompson

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