Newport City 2-2 Cwmbran Celtic

JD Cymru South

Newport Stadium – 27/12/2025

Newport City were left frustrated after being held at home by winless, bottom-of-the-table Cwmbran Celtic, denting their hopes of pushing on in the promotion race.

A low-key opening 15 minutes saw strong winds disrupt play, with City’s Rhys Kavanagh providing the first real threat by curling an effort just over the bar from inside the area. However, Cwmbran also looked dangerous and went close when Jac Evans headed narrowly over from close range.

The Steelmen took the lead in the 24th minute as Kavanagh capitalised on a defensive error. Kavanagh robbed possession from Cwmbran goalkeeper Lewis Watkins before finishing calmly, despite Kian Bodenham’s attempted clearance off the line.

However, the advantage was short-lived, as Cwmbran drew level in unfortunate fashion in the 39th minute. Under pressure from Cole Doolan, City captain Lathan Garrett’s attempted clearance from distance agonisingly flew into the top-right corner of his own net.

The Steelmen almost responded immediately, but Harvey Sing’s powerful strike was tipped around the post by Watkins, who also denied Kayne McLaggon shortly before the interval.

HT 1-1

The second half got off to a disastrous start for City as Cwmbran were awarded a penalty following an alleged foul on Andrew Larcombe inside the area. Mario Van Dieren confidently dispatched the spot kick in the 58th minute to put the visitors ahead.

Van Dieren almost doubled Cwmbran’s advantage soon after, but his threatening strike was well tipped around the left post by City goalkeeper Edward King.

However, the Steelmen drew level in the 74th minute, when Kyran Steadman finished from close range following a corner delivery from substitute Richard Noyes. Noyes’ introduction proved pivotal, with his set-piece deliveries causing persistent problems for the Cwmbran defence as City pushed forward.

Despite the Steelmen’s pressure, Cwmbran almost regained the lead in the 86th minute, as King pushed away a low goalbound effort from Joshua Gibson. City then went agonisingly close, as Danny Hillman’s thunderous strike skimmed the top of the crossbar.

There was still time for one final chance as Cole Mace nearly snatched a dramatic winner for the Steelmen in stoppage time. However, his low effort was well saved by Watkins and the rebound was deflected narrowly wide by Steadman. That proved to be the final action, leaving City to rue a golden opportunity as two valuable points slipped away in their promotion push.

FT: 2–2

Newport City Line-Up

Unused Subs – Blackburn, Bancroft, Cadwallader, Bloom