Newport U17s secured a Division 3 League and Cup double after a hard fought win against a physical Granville Rangers team in Jackman Park on Tuesday, May 3. Having already secured the league title, the focus was on Jackman Park to attempt the double.

Newport began strongly and went ahead in the opening 10 minutes when Shane Flanagan calmly finished a cross from Conor Brett. Then NTAFC went 2 up, midway through the first half when a corner from Conor Brett caused confusion in the Granville box. Shane Flanagan got a vital touch before David Healy applied the finish. It was nip and touch for the rest of the half with both sides creating chances.

Granville pulled a goal back early in the second half with a fine counter attacking goal. However this Newport team has character and almost immediately hit back with a third goal. Sean Chitedze played a great ball through the middle and Jamie Kavanagh got there before the keeper, before rounding him and slotting into the empty net. However Rangers stayed fighting and after a quick throw in the got in behind the Newport defence to make it 3-2.

The game was very tense as it entered the last 15 minutes. Newport were denied a penalty and looked the more likely but Granville were still a threat. The game was finally sealed deep into injury time when Sean Reddington saw his shot saved before Conor Brett latched on the rebound to finish. Winning the double is a great achievement and this group have been a pleasure to work with over the last year working hard and always working for each other and the management team. All of the 23 man squad played a role in the season and we look forward to working with them again next season.