Three players who impressed as Trethomas Bluebirds reclaim top spot with 2-1 victory over Newport City
Trethomas Bluebirds ran out narrow winners against Newport City in the Cymru South. (Pic by Lewis Mitchell/FAW)
Trethomas Bluebirds continued their remarkable run in their debut JD Cymru South season with a 2-1 away win against Newport City to regain top spot in the division.
The Bluebirds opened 2025 with all three points, an Owen Cuddihy own goal followed by some quick thinking by forward Gareth Tedstone doubled their advantage with his 11th league goal of the campaign.
Newport keeper Cohen Riella had mistaken rugby markings on the field for his penalty area, resulting in a free-kick that was taken quickly and converted by Tedstone, with the home defence having no hope of preventing the strike.
Forward Josh Graham pulled a goal back for the hosts with a well taken strike on the turn from the edge of the area, but it wasn’t enough as they suffered a close defeat following multiple missed chances late on.
The win lifts Mark Dunford’s side above second place Llanelli Town. They sit on 39 points, two above their title rivals with both having played 18 league games.
Here are three players who stood out in an icy cold Friday night at Newport.
David Vincent
A rock at the back for Trethomas, David Vincent is an experienced player in the Welsh divisions and he showed every inch of that experience and leadership in the hard-fought victory.
At the age of 34 Vincent seemed unfazed up against the lightning attack of Newport City and threw his body on the line on multiple occasion alongside winning near enough everything that came near him in the air, with his tall frame making him a huge asset in both boxes.
The back line of The Bluebirds played a big role in the win and it’s clear to see how the defensive partnerships that have been developed have put them at the top of their division.
Gareth Tedstone
Gareth Tedstone is a goalscorer, it’s simply what he does and he showed his pure scoring instinct with his smartly taken goal.
His quick thinking in a moment of chaos showed exactly why he’s scored so many goals under Dunford and at the age of 33 seems to have no signs of slowing down any time soon.
It’s not only goalscoring that he does well though, leading the line with a physical presence that lets defenders up against him know they’re in for a long afternoon and have to be at their absolute best to keep him from adding to his already impressive goal tally.
With the youthful talent sprinkled around Tedstone, the attacking talent of the club could be enough to see them pull off a remarkable achievement of a first time promotion from the second division.
James Young
You could pick out any of the names in midfield for Trethomas but James Young encapsulates everything about this Trethomas side.
A tenacious midfielder that not only looks to outwork the opposition but also has the calmness and ability on the ball to pick out the right passes under pressure.
Young has an excellent range of passing that allows the speedy forwards in front of him to utilise the space they’re given, causing chaos on the break whilst also having the composure to break down teams with relentless possession if needed.
He’s another example of a member in the squad that has vast experience across the Welsh divisions and what it takes to lift a title, experience that will be vital heading into the final 12 games as they push for promotion yet again.
