Luke Hussey described his side’s elimination from the FAW Youth Cup semi-finals as a “missed opportunity,” but remains optimistic about the valuable experience gained by his young Exiles team during their run in the competition.
County’s youngsters were defeated 3-1 by Caernarfon Town at Park Avenue in Aberystwyth on Sunday. Cam Egan scored for Newport, but his goal only served as a consolation, as the Cofis advanced to the final.
“It’s an opportunity missed, for sure”, Luke began.
“First of all, fair play to Caernarfon. They were really good today - really organised, really up for it.
“We feel it was an opportunity missed. We created enough chances and didn’t take them and if you’re not clinical enough in the box then it can hurt you at the other end.”
Despite the disappointment of the defeat, County’s venture deep into the later stages of the FAW Youth Cup this season has provided valuable experience for their young players.
“As an academy, we’ve targeted this (competition)," he explained.
“Overall, it’s been a really good competition and there’s been a lot for us to take away from it.
“It’s been really competitive - everyone wants to beat us, which is good. It’s a good experience for the lads because they feel a pressure that we can’t create in development games.”
The young Exiles will now switch their full attention to the remainder of the EFL Youth Alliance season, with plenty still at stake.
“We’ve still got a number of weeks to go. There’s still lots for the boys to play for and we’ll start to see under-15s and under-16s coming into the team.
“There’s still lots for them to focus on but they will need to lick their wounds from this because it’s going to be a big disappointment.
“But like I said, there’s still a lot to play for.”
Hussey’s side will travel to Forest Green Rovers next Saturday (8th March) as they begin their season run-in.
