Newport County earned a first win in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy with a 1-0 victory over West Ham United Under-21s at Rodney Parade.
A late second-half strike from Oliver Greaves gave the Exiles all three points on Tuesday night.
Nelson Jardim made several changes to the starting eleven following last Saturday's loss to Swindon Town. On-loan striker Kyle Hudlin came in for Courtney Baker-Richardson, while Luke Jephcott, Kiban Rai and Bobby Kamwa all returned to the Exiles' line-up.
Kyle Jameson came into defence following his one-match suspension and Ciaran Brennan also returned while still serving his suspension in the league.
County started sharply with Kamwa who looked to create from the right wing. His dangerous cross into the box was almost deflected into the Hammers goal by Kaelan Casey but instead was well held by Finley Herrick.
Kamwa was once again at the heart of the attack as he took on Ezra Mayers and won a freekick. The resulting free kick was laid into the feet of Bryn Morris on the edge of the box and his shot narrowly dipped over the bar.
The Exiles continued to search for the opener and on the 18th minute Luke Jephcott came close. After receiving the ball on the turn he looked to find the bottom left corner from the edge of the box but Herrick got across to save his effort well.
West Ham looked to put a dent in County’s positive start with some great attacking play in and around the box. Oliver Scarles wriggled his way through multiple challenges, but his subsequent strike isn’t enough to trouble Nick Townsend.
The Hammers built on their momentum with them going close to getting the first goal of the game just before the break. A dangerous ball in by Kamarai Swyer was met by Sean Moore but his goalward header was blocked well by Glennon who covered well from his left flank.
Half Time
Scarles proved to be a handful for County defenders in the early stages after the break. His delivery finds Ryan Battrum who laid the ball off to Lewis Orford but his shot was blocked timely by Ciaran Brennan.
The hammers found themselves with the majority of the chances to begin the half with the best chance after Kamarai Swyer found himself in behind the county defence.
Following an excellent long ball, Swyer seemed to have had an open goal after rounding the oncoming Townsend, but his effort is cleared excellently off the line by Baker.
A triple substitution of Courtney Baker-Richardson, Oliver Greaves and Cameron Antwi looked to add some fresh legs for Nelson Jardim’s side. Baker Richardson attempted to make an instant impact off the bench but his long-range effort isn’t enough to bring Herrick into action.
On the 70th minute the Irons looked set to deal a hammer blow to County as Battrum went baring down on goal. His powerful strike was well parried by Townsend out of the path of any oncoming West Ham players.
County looked to respond to West Ham chances with Matt Baker rising to head a deep Glennon delivery. Bakers’ headed effort ended up wide of the post.
On the 83rd minute County took the lead through substitute, Greaves. The goal began with a fantastic defence splitting pass by Morris to play in Baker RIchardson who attempts to chip the Keeper. His dinked effort veers wide of the goal and falls to Greaves who tapped in from close range.
Full Time
Newport County return to Sky Bet League Two action this Saturday (3PM) as we take on Barrow at the SO Legal Stadium.
Newport County: Townsend, K.Evans (Antwi 61’), Baker, Brennan, Jameson, Glennon, Morris (C), Kamwa, Jephcott (Mawene 87’), Hudlin (Baker-Richardson 61’), Rai (Greaves 61’).
Substitutes: Hopkins, C.Evans, Sanca.
West Ham United: Herrick, Casey, Luizao, Mayers, Robinson (Battrum), Orford, Scarles, Adiele, Moore, Swyer, Ajala (Dologhan 87’).
Substitutes: Akpata, Terry, Rigge, Tarima, Fawunmi.
Attendance: 697 (59 away)