Newport City 1-2 Baglan Dragons

The Steelmen almost made the perfect start, coming within inches of taking the lead inside the opening seconds. Rhys Kavanagh’s effort from inside the penalty area took a deflection but drifted narrowly wide of the post.

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City did not have to wait long to break the deadlock. From a corner in the 6th minute, Ellis Sage rose highest in the area and powered a header into the net to give the Steelmen an early 1–0 advantage.

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The hosts continued to dominate the early stages, with Eduardo Bregua firing narrowly over the crossbar. Samuel Johnson then came close after being played clean through on goal. However, his low effort was diverted inches around the post by Baglan goalkeeper Mathew Stanton.

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Despite City’s control, Baglan were unexpectedly handed a lifeline through a penalty award following an alleged foul inside the area. Artiom Legavec calmly converted the spot kick into the bottom left corner to level the score in the 20th minute.

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City responded well after the setback and continued to apply pressure in the opening half. Clayton Farrah saw a header whistle over the bar as the Steelmen pushed to restore their lead. Lathan Garrett then met a corner on the half volley, but his effort was gathered by Stanton. Owen Bancroft also headed over the bar from another set piece opportunity.

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​HT 1-1

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Baglan restarted strongly as Thomas Davies fired a low strike towards goal, which was gathered by City keeper Edward King. At the other end, Bregua fired over from the edge of the area after Baglan failed to clear.

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The visitors took the lead on the hour mark, after hesitant defending by the Steelmen allowed Andzejs Dubjaga to chip the ball into the net.

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Baglan nearly added a third on the counter attack, but Osian Williams’ deflected effort was turned around the post by Edward King. City responded with Sage seeing a low strike blocked by Stanton, while Legavec fired just over for the visitors.

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The Steelmen pushed for a late equaliser, with Liam King glancing a header into Stanton’s hands and Sage again testing the Baglan keeper. Liam King also managed to strike a close range effort into the side netting in stoppage time, as City were left to settle for a disappointing defeat.

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FT 1-2

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Newport City Line-Up

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King, Noyes, Garrett ©, Bancroft, Sage, Johnson, Kavanagh (Sub: McLaggon), Lonergan, Bregua, Farrah (Sub: Bloom), Bruton (Sub: Liam King)

 

Unused Subs – Jones, Mace, Portch, Hooper

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