FAW TROPHY & CYMRU NORTH/SOUTH
NEWPORT City lifted the FAW Amateur Trophy for the first time yesterday after overcoming their third-tier counterparts Penrhyncoch 5-4 in a quite remarkable final at Newtown’s Latham Park.
Calum Bateman fired Ardal League South East high-flyers Newport ahead after just five minutes but Ardal North East leaders Penrhyncoch, who knocked out holders Trethomas Bluebirds in the semi-finals, levelled through Harri Horwood after 20 minutes.
Penrhycoach were last in the final in 1996, when they lost 2-1 to Rhydymyn, but they looked to be on the way to glory this time when Rhys Jenkins put them ahead two minutes after the break and then an own goal from Newport’s Frederick Stevens moments later gave them a two-goal cushion.
But back came Newport through Cole Jarvis and then Richard Noyes to make it 3-3 and then, with just two minutes of normal time remaining, Joseph Ogugua poked home after a scramble in the box.
Ogugua then added his second in added time to make sure – despite skipper Tom Evans netting a fourth Penrhycoach goal.
Meanwhile there was heartbreak for both Porthmadog and Pontardawe Town who have been relegated from Cymru North and South respectively.
Porthmadog’s 3-0 loss at home against Holywell Town, coupled with Prestatyn Town’s 2-2 draw at Gresford Athletic, keeps them up by a point and sends Porthmadog down.
Tom Weir’s leveller for Prestatyn who recovered from falling behind, ultimately proved to be the difference.
Pontardawe’s 2-1 win at Baglan Dragons in their final match yesterday ultimately didn’t keep them up after Llantwit Major’s 3-0 win at Carmarthen Town keeps them up while Taffs Well, who lost 3-1 at home against Ammanford, stay up on goal difference ahead of Pontardawe.
Chris Bell, Matthew Kimmins and Ioan Emanuel grabbed the goals to save Llantwit Major.
At the top of Cymru North, Holywell now need just a point from the final game to be crowned champions but, having opted not to lodge an appeal after being refused a Tier 1 Licence for next season, it will be Flint Town United, who have secured a licence and a toptwo finish, who will go up instead.
Flint wrapped up their campaign with a 2-1 win at Denbigh Town.