THE first quarter final of the FAW Premier Cup was settled on a cold raw night at the Newport Stadium with the Exiles overcoming Football League opposition thanks to a late winner.

Despite Swansea's suggestions of sending along a young squad, they fielded seven players who had appeared for the first team this season, but after a promising start they faded badly during the last 25 minutes or so.

There was little doubt that the Swans settled the better and had the majority of the first half play, with the home keeper Glyn Thompson making a number of key saves as the visitors failed to capitalised on their superiority with at least one goal.

The second half was different with the home team growing stronger as the game wore on and they piled on the pressure, particularly in the last quarter.

Newport hit the post and there looked only one winner as the game seemed destined for extra time, but just as in the previous round, it was Charlie Griffin who settled the match with a late goal.

With two minutes of added time already played, a cross from the right was headed home off the underside of the bar by Griffin to give the Exiles the win by the narrowest of margins.

Newport County: Glyn Thompson, James Simpson, Damon Searle, Nathan Davies, Lee Jarman, Ian Hillier, Jason Bowen, Lee Fowler, Charlie Griffin, Craig Hughes, Richard Evans.

NEXT MATCHES (all 7.00 p.m. kick off)

Tuesday, January 8th
Welshpool Town v Cardiff City
Carmarthen Town v The New Saints

Wednesday, January 9th
Llanelli v Wrexham