Newport’s Wessex League Cup run came to an end last night (Tuesday) in the 2nd round with a 5-2 defeat away to Wessex Division 1 outfit United Services Portsmouth at HMS Temeraire.
It was the Portsmouth outfit who progressed after a high-scoring encounter that saw the Port travel with a severely depleted squad. Manager Joe Butcher was forced to make several changes, with regulars Matt Benford, Neo Lamb, Matt Oatley, Harry Taylor, Maca Watterson and Brad Young all sidelined through injury or suspension.
In their place came youngsters Jack Egerton-Read, Ollie Linington and Luca Weeks, who were all handed valuable first-team experience.
The evening started badly for Newport when Kai Grace limped off injured after just 13 minutes, to be replaced by Sam Kirby. A minute later, Jess Owens headed home from a corner to put US Portsmouth ahead (1-0).
Newport responded positively, with Ji Nash twice going close around the 25-minute mark. Centre-forward Jez Conway also forced two good saves shortly after as the Port looked for a way back into the game.
However, the home side doubled their lead in the 33rd minute when Fred Penfold side-footed home Joe Johnson’s cross (2-0). Five minutes later, Penfold struck again with a clever lob over goalkeeper Joe Pitman from the edge of the box (3-0).
Half time: US Portsmouth 3-0 Newport IW.
Newport came out strongly after the break, and their persistence paid off almost immediately. Just a minute into the second half, Ji Nash set up Jez Conway, who calmly finished past the US Portsmouth keeper in a one-on-one (3-1).
Any hopes of a comeback were short-lived, however, as Kimron Cruikshank restored the hosts’ three-goal cushion just two minutes later, converting from a Tyler Burns pass (4-1).
The Port continued to push forward and were rewarded in the 70th minute when Jez Conway produced the goal of the night – a spectacular bicycle kick to reduce the deficit (4-2).
Despite Newport’s improved second-half display, the hosts sealed victory deep into stoppage time when Joe Johnson unleashed a stunning 25-yard strike into the top corner (5-2).
Full time: US Portsmouth 5-2 Newport IW.
Newport IW: Pitman, Grace (Kirby), Linington, Hancott (c), Thompsett, Egerton-Read, Nash, Walsh, Conway, Butcher, Weeks
The result means that Cowes Sports are now the only Isle of Wight side left in the Wessex League Cup. The Yachtsmen will face Laverstock & Ford in the final 16 as they look to keep Island interest alive in the competition.
It was a spirited performance from a much-changed Newport side, who battled hard despite their stretched resources. The team will now turn their attention back to league action when they face Frimley Green at the Zilch Waste Stadium on Saturday as they aim to climb the Wessex Division 1 table .
