NEWPORT City aim to finish the job tomorrow after a surprise run all the way to the final of the FAW Amateur Trophy.

The Steelmen take on Penrhyncoch at Newtown’s Latham Park (kick-off 12.30pm) in what they hope can be the first part of a double.

They are currently third in Ardal SE and if they fail to reel in pace-setting Trethomas Bluebirds then, with five games in hand and a three-point gap to second-placed Risca, they are looking good for a southern promotion play-off.

It has turned into a season to remember for Newport and they don’t want to taste defeat for the first time in 2024 against tough opponents who are leading the way in Ardal NE.

“We thought we had a good chance of pushing top five in the league, but we had a bad patch at the start and realised we weren’t strong enough,” manager Sam Houldsworth told the FAW.

“We lowered our expectations, and all of a sudden we signed a few players and it just clicked. From then it’s been non-stop.”

Newport beat Cefn Cribwr 4-3 in a semi-final thriller in Penydarren to earn a spot in the final against Penrhyncoch, who beat holders Trethomas in the last four.

City enjoyed wins in the earlier rounds against Brecon Corries 6-1, Garden Village 5-2, AFC Llwydcoed 4-1, Y Rhyl 1879 2-1 and Llannefydd 4-1.

“We had no eyes on this trophy,” said Houldsworth, whose side warmed up for the final with a 7-0 hammering of Hay St Marys in the league. “We didn’t expect to go far, and then we just kept on winning.”

“I’m honestly so excited for it,” he continued. “The nerves will kick in on the day – on the coach, I’ll definitely be nervous.

“At training, we were full of excitement, we’re looking forward to it. We want to win it, but if we don’t, we’ll enjoy a cup final day.”

The final is at Latham Park in Newtown with admission costing £5 for adults and £2 for concessions (cash only).

Tickets will also gain access for the Welsh Blood Service League Cup national final between Cymru Premier-bound Cymru South champions Briton Ferry Llanswel and Mold Alexandra.