Newport City 2-1 Cambrian United
JD Cymru South
Newport Stadium – 05/09/2025
On a dramatic night at the Newport Stadium, the Steelmen produced a stunning late turnaround to defeat league leaders Cambrian United and reignite their push near the top of the JD Cymru South League. City entered the game on the back of three consecutive league draws, which had threatened to stall their early-season momentum. They showed grit, resilience, and a touch of magic to claim a statement victory that lifted them into third place and keeps their unbeaten run intact.
First Half
However, the evening didn’t begin well as the Steelmen made the worst possible start, falling behind inside four minutes. Liam Eason cut inside and curled a brilliant strike from the edge of the box into the top-right corner, leaving City instantly on the back foot.
It was almost two shortly after, when ex-Steelman Calum Bateman’s powerful header was brilliantly tipped onto the bar and over by Cohen Riella. Cambrian continued to dictate the tempo, with Dylan Edwards testing from distance – his 30-yard strike drifting narrowly over.
The visitors were in control for much of the opening half hour, restricting City to little more than half-chances. On the stroke of half-time, Cambrian threatened again. Bateman flashed a dangerous low ball across the face of goal that somehow eluded everyone with the net gaping.
HT 0-1
Second Half
The Steelmen almost fell further behind soon after the restart, as a pinpoint long ball released Bateman clean through on goal. Just as he pulled the trigger, Richard Noyes produced a sensational last-ditch block to deny him.
Frazer Lee then squandered another chance for Cambrian, blazing over after City failed to deal with a free-kick delivery. Riella also had to be alert for the Steelmen, as he gathered a curling low free kick effort from Eason at his near post.
Those missed opportunities proved costly for the visitors in the 64th minute. Against the run of play, the Steelmen drew level when substitute Cole Mace whipped in a fine cross into the area. This led to Danny Hillman glance a header into the back of the net. It was a fine introduction from Mace who made an instant impact just four minutes after coming on.
The momentum shifted further two minutes later when Cambrian were reduced to ten men. This was due to the dismissal of Ashley Evans for an alleged second bookable offence. With the numerical advantage and the crowd behind them, City began to dominate. Kayne McGlaggon came close to turning the game on its head with a strike that fizzed narrowly wide of the far post.
The breakthrough finally came in the 87th minute for the Steelmen in spectacular fashion. A cross into the box by Mace found McGlaggon, who controlled superbly before unleashing a thunderous overhead kick into the bottom corner. A magical goal that sent the home supporters into raptures.
Eduardo Bregua almost added a late flourish in stoppage time, but his low effort deflected inches wide. That proved to be the final action as City held on for a dramatic 2–1 victory over the league leaders.
FT 2-1
Newport City Line-Up
Riella, Noyes (Sub: Kavanagh), Garrett, Bancroft ©, Hillman, Jarvis (Sub: Mace), Bregua, Farrah, McLaggon, Cadwallader (Sub: Cooper), Steadman
Unused Subs – Blackburn, Davies, Perrett, Kabza