Report: Reds 2-3 Newport City

5th October 2024

The Reds fell to their first league defeat of the campaign as Newport City came from two goals behind to take all three points on the night at Stebonheath Park.

The Reds started the game on the front foot, taking the lead just six minutes in. A fantastic ball over the top of the Newport backline from Joe Lloyd allowed Ethan Cann to take the ball around the keeper, firing into an open net.

Henry Jones then made it two within the opening 10 minutes, a ball into the box knocked down from a header allowing Jones to finish his shot on the volley past the keeper.

Newport then found themselves straight back in the game just two minutes later. Owen Cuddihy was allowed room in the box to turn and fire his shot across goal and into the bottom corner. 

The Reds looked to return their lead to two, Henry Jones playing a great threaded through ball between the Newport backline - almost finding Joe Lloyd.

Newport came close to finding an equaliser just before the half hour mark. A turnover in possession resulted in Calum Bateman almost finding the target from just inside the box.

The visitors then found an equaliser. A corner into the box poorly defended resulted in a scramble in the six yard area, Ethan Wynne finding a way to get the ball into the net.

The Reds had a fantastic chance to get back in front before the break. Sean Cronin was able to connect with the ball from close range, his shot fired over the bar.

The biggest chance by the hour mark in the second half came as the Reds attempted to get back in front from a corner, a header just wide of the post.

Sean Cronin attempted to find Alex Giardelli in the area via a long ball, the pass almost allowing the striker to have a headed shot on goal.

Newport then won the game late into additional time, a ball over the top finding Louis Phillips who was able to take the ball around Scott Coughlan to earn the visitors all three points.