Cardiff 0-0 Newport (Lost 4-5 Pens)

Cardiff City lined up with David Forde in goal and young full-backs in Aaron Morris and Matt Smith alongside the strong pairing of Purse and Loovens. In midfield Darcy Blake partnered Riccy Scimeca in midfield with Tyrell Webbe and Trevor Sinclair offering width. Steve Thompson and Jon Brown were partnered in attack.


The game opened at a slow pace, Cardif had plenty of possession but little going forward and it was Newport County who forged the first chance with Charlie Griffin shooting wide on 11 minutes when well placed.


Trevor Sinclair found space on 19 minutes later but inexplicably tried to cross when a shot was the better option. Steve Jenkins, Steve Thompson and Darcy Blake all shot but saw their efforts blocked.


Some impressive wide play by Jon Brown saw a deep cross find Scimeca and his pass back found Thompson but his rising shot was always going over. Jon Brown continued to grow and fired shots over and wide as well as another caught by Glyn Thompson.


After the break, Cardiff contiued to lack ambition and a cutting edge. Andy Gurney and Steve Thompson traded long range shots but both were easilt dealt with by the respective goalkeepers. Jason Bowen headed weakly while Webbe hit the side netting but the inevitability of extra time was already clear.


One player who did look capable of creating was teenager Darcy Blake. He made some energetic runs and went close with an effort shortly before 90 minutes.



Newport County took the lead in extra time courtesy of fomer Bluebird Jason Bowen but Steve Thompson equalised with a low drive forcing the game to a penalty shoot-out.


Damon Searle missed a penalty for County, but Steve Thopson went a woeful effort wide and youngster Jack Carlile saw his effort saved to sent Newport County through to the final and Cardiff crashing out.


FT: Cardiff City 0-0 Newport County
AET: 1-1
Pens: 4-5