The third game of the day at WightFibre Park saw Newport Under-18s welcome Eastleigh Spitfires, with the hosts producing a battling performance before narrowly bowing out of the League Cup on penalties.

Playing only their fourth game together, Newport made the best possible start. Fresh from his first-team debut, Ollie O’Neill seized on an error by the visiting goalkeeper and calmly slotted home to give the Port an early lead.

Eastleigh responded with a spell of sustained pressure and deservedly equalised after 27 minutes. Newport reacted well and almost regained the lead when Owen Ebbs struck the post with a free-kick. The chance came after Dylan Wightwick was brought down by the goalkeeper, who was perhaps fortunate to escape with a yellow card.

The second half was an evenly contested affair, with both sides playing some excellent football and contributing to an entertaining encounter.

Newport went back in front through a spectacular strike from Tommy Turnbull-Woodford, who hammered an unstoppable shot into the top corner. Unfortunately for the hosts, Eastleigh quickly levelled with a finish of equal quality.

Bobby Humber then produced two outstanding saves in the Newport goal to keep the scores level, taking the tie to a penalty shoot-out.

An exceptionally high standard of finishing saw both teams score 10 of their first 11 penalties, with every player on the pitch stepping up to take a kick. With the scores still level after 22 attempts, Newport missed their next penalty, allowing Eastleigh to convert the winner and progress.

Despite the disappointment, this was another encouraging step forward for Newport’s new side. With three Under-16 players involved, there was plenty to suggest a promising future for this young squad.

Team: Humber, Suckling, Kilby, Keane, Oatley, Ross, Pike, O’Neill, Wightwick, Mann, Turnbull-Woodford.

Substitutes (all used): Topp, Ebbs, Deegan, Hiorns, McMahon.