The match between the last two holders of the Cup – Newport beat Aberavon in last year’s final – had rarely come alight as the teams cancelled each other out.
Newport had taken a 10-6 lead after 46 minutes and seemed to have the Blue and Blacks in a stranglehold. But Cardiff broke free with seven minutes remaining and worked the ball to super-sub Goodchild.
He still had it all to do out wide with the cover racing across. But Goodchild intelligently leapt high into the air to avoid a tackle and somehow managed to stay in play to ground the ball. Outside-half Dan Fish magnificently converted from just inside the touchline to knock the fight out of their arch rivals and neighbours.
Goodchild said afterwards: “I’m buzzing. All I could think of was don’t drop the ball. It was one of those matches that was going to be tight like that and go either way.”
It was Cardiff’s ninth success in Wales’ showpiece cup competition with veteran Fish saying: “I am delighted for the boys to get a reward for the hard work they have put in.
“They dug deep during the second half when we could have fallen away and to get that try at the end was fantastic.”
The popular Fish, who was a crowd favourite with the Cardiff regional and club teams, announced he would be retiring at the end of the campaign, declaring: “I have enjoyed every minute of my time.”
Both clubs felt each other out during a cagey start to the match. There were a few half openings but they were snuffed out by the respective defences.
Fish had stroked over a penalty to give Cardiff a 3-0 lead. The crowd of 7,521, which had peaked for the Championship final between Pontypool and Ystrad Rhondda, were quiet at the lack of action during a low key and disappointing opening quarter.
The Newport contingent did liven up when Wales Under-20 centre Harri Ackerman scythed between Fish and Aaron Pinches in the Cardiff midfield. It seemed a try was a formality but his pass was almost picked off by Cardiff left-wing Dewi Cross.
Referee Dewi Phillips decided it was a genuine attempt at an interception – Cross was angry he hadn’t caught the ball – and awarded a scrum. Cardiff prop Scott Andrews, a Wales international, was penalised at it, Newport captain Matt O’Brien punishing him to draw his side level.
However, Newport offended seconds later and Fish was able to put Cardiff ahead for a second time. But they were penalised soon afterwards and O’Brien took a tap to set up the position for No.8 Ben Roach to force his way over for the opening try. O’Brien converted for them to lead 10-6.
A rare sortie from Cardiff brought them a penalty but Fish slipped as he struck it. But he was all smiles following the flying finish of Goodchild.
Cardiff: C Winnett; J Beal, I Evans, A Pinches, D Cross; D Fish, E Lloyd; M Thomas, E Daniel, S Andrews, E Thomas, S Moore, A Mann, N Hudd, M Allen.
Subs: A Rees, R Barrett, O Drake, E Thomas, E Lloyd, T Habberfield, J Goodchild, H James.
Try: Goodchild; con: Fish; pens: Fish (2).
Newport: I Davies; L Lewis, C Foster-Smith, H Ackerman, E Frewen; M O’Brien, D Buckland; T Davies, H Palmer, N Evans, C Hudd, R Woodman, G Young, R Jenkins, B Roach.
Subs: J Benjamin, T Workman, D Suter, E Ferriman, K Tayler, C Hope, M Bancroft, J Morris.
