Cardiff Gavin Gordon keeps Newport's Scott Morgan at bay

The youngster scored with his first touch after coming on as a 70th minute substitute.

But Newport can feel justifiably aggrieved after they had a first half penalty claim for a trip on John Phillips waved away by the referee.

The home side also created most of the scoring chances but failed to make them count.

Cardiff were knocked out on penalties at Newport Stadium in last year's semi-final.

But their mix of youth a reserve players, managed on the night by reserve coach Paul Wilkinson, proved too strong for their non-league opposition this time.

"Jason Bowen, Gavin Gordon and James Collins were excellent for us," said Wilkinson.

It was a blatant penalty. I think everyone in the ground thought so Newport County manager Peter Nicholas

"They showed a great attitude, which I'd asked from them before the game, and great professionalism.

"They helped the young kids through and you need that sometimes."

Newport County manager Peter Nicholls said he was proud of his team's effort, but the former Wales international felt robbed.

"It was a blatant penalty," he said. "I think everyone in the ground thought so.

"I was watching the match alongside (Cardiff manager Lennie Lawrence) in the stand and he said he couldn't believe the referee hadn't given it.

"I thought it was a poor refereeing performance."

Newport County: D Roberts, T Evans, G Lloyd, N Davies, J Eckhardt, S Morgan, G Phillips, S Williams, J Moralee, G Shepard, S Bowen.
Subs: A Williams, A Stephenson, J Phillips, S O'Sullivan, A Delve.

Cardiff (from): Arran Lee Barrett, Michael Haywood, Kirk Huggins, Nicky Fish, James Collins, Byron Anthony, Jason Bowen, , Michael Parkins, Danny Thomas, Gavin Gordon, Richard Ingram.
Subs: Danny Brimble, Danny Parslow, Sean Cronin, Joe Ledley, Stuart Fleetwood.