NEWPORT County AFC have reached the second round of the FA Youth Cup for the first time since 2000, writes Michael Pearlman.

The Exiles, under the guidance of first team player/youth coach Mike Flynn, will now face Cambridge or MK Dons at home in round two after a superb 2-1 away triumph at Exeter’s St James’ Park.

The result was all the more surprising as not only have Newport not reached this stage for 14 years, but they also recently lost to the Grecians 4-2 in a Youth Alliance South West fixture.

However, County took a first half lead through Tom Owen-Evans who scored a beauty and never looked back, doubling their advantage through a Spencer Wood penalty after Aaron Collins had been hauled down in the box.

Exeter did manage a consolation strike, but Newport deservedly held on.

Owen-Evans’ goal in particular will live long in the memory, a chipped effort from the edge of the area that had even the Exeter fans applauding and Coiunty almost managed a third when Collins hit the crossbar in second half stoppage time.

Several of the County first team took to social media to praise the youth side including Mark Byrne, Scott Tancock and Danny Crow.

For boss Flynn, it’s the first big success since he joined the youth set-up.

“I am so proud of the boys, what a win for them,” he said. “They were absolutely outstanding.”

Newport County AFC U18: Keating, Matondo, Parselle, Wood, Poole, James, Owen-Evans, Shephard, Gray, Collins, Bamford.

Subs: Harries, Zanotti, Bull, Brooks, Raymond.