BRIDGWATER Town/Team BTC Under-18s had their run in this season’s FA Youth Cup ended by Newport County on Tuesday night.

The visitors progressed to the second round with a 1-0 win at Fairfax Park, thanks to a goal from captain Dominic Jefferies.

The Bridgwater & Taunton College youngsters had reached the first round proper of the competition with wins over Bristol Manor Farm, Torquay United and Oxford City to set up a home tie with EFL U18 Youth Alliance League side Newport.

Taunton Town players Noah Coppin and Luke Manley were both in the home line-up, and they matched their visitors for much of the encounter.

Coppin almost put the hosts ahead, poking the ball past the goalkeeper only to be denied by a goal-line clearance, and the keeper then saved from Patrick O'Halloran's well-struck volley.

It remained goalless at half-time, but Newport began to turn the screw and, after hitting the post moments before, they went ahead on the hour mark – Jefferies tucking the ball home after a free-kick broke to him in the box.

The hosts were unable to rouse themselves for a big comeback, with the away side content to sit on their lead and head into the next round.

Bridgwater Town/BTC U18: H Wilkinson, L Manley, S Reed, J Cottrill, H Mason, R Sandford, P O'Halloran, C Watts, N Coppin, N Byrne, S McKenna. Substitutes: C Chivers, M Ham, H Scott, K Kruszynski.

Bridgwater Town/Team BTC Under-18s manager Mo Hopkins said: "It wasn’t the evening we had planned for.

"It would be unfair to say we had an off night without considering our opponents' endeavours.

"But it was a game we felt we could win, regardless of our opponents being full time.

"The first period was ok with Coppin having chances along with O’Halloran, but the visitors - although being edged on chances - held firm.

"The second half required more bravery on the ball and elements of our opponents game managed better.

"This didn’t occur and contributed to conceding possession and a goal from a free kick.

"In fact to have our goal breached by a free kick shows how well the defence performed in open play.

"As the game progressed some changes in personnel Ham, Kruszynski and Scott offered a fresh perspective and shape.

"We got at Newport in the last ten minutes, but they quite rightly defended well and managed the clock.

"It was always going to be disappointing when we finished the FA Youth Cup campaign, however a good run and testament to the players who have had a busy few months and only narrowly missed out on the next round."