Cardiff vs Newport (Match Preview)

Cardiff City tonight play host to Newport County in the semi-final of the FAW Premier Cup to be held at Ninian Park, kick-off 7pm.


Cardiff City will keep with tradition and will not name a strong line-up for the clash. Paul Wilkinson will be in charge and is expected to utilise a mixture of youth and experience. Nevertheless, the winners will take on either Carmarthen Town or Llanelli in the final, worth £100k in prize money to the eventual winner.


Cardiff's form is largely irrelevant with the squad comprising youth players and reserves lacking match fitness as well as others returning from injury. Cardiff have some promising talent and will hope to win the game.




Newport County currently sit mid-table in the Conference South division, one tie below the Conference Premier. However, their last outing was a 3-0 hammering by Thurrock, currently in the lower half of the table.


Newport County have already picked off one prize scalp in the competition this season courtesy of a win over Swansea City in the quarter finals. The Swans look unstoppable in their assault on Coca-Cola league one but were beaten by The Exiles in the Welsh Cup.


There is plenty at stake for both clubs financially and in terms of Cardiff players staking a claim for first team places. The two sets of rival fans will both be hoping for a win, the previous meeting saw Stuart Fleetwood net in a 1-0 win for the Bluebirds though 1000 Newport fans are travelling West down the M4 tonight hoping for a better result.