Prolific striker Ji Nash scored twice as Newport were held to a 3-3 draw by Ringwood at the Zilch Waste Stadium this afternoon (Saturday) in front of 151 spectators.
Both teams will have left disappointed with the manner of the goals conceded, with 5 of the 6 strikes the result of errors. Only Ringwood’s final equaliser – a rasping 25-yard drive – stood out as a moment of real quality.
Nash opened the scoring from close range shortly after a header from a corner had appeared to cross the line (1-0). The lead was short-lived as Macauley Waterson conceded a penalty with a rash challenge, although many Newport supporters felt Kai Grace had been fouled in the build-up. The spot-kick was calmly converted (1-1).
It seemed the sides would head into the break all square after a half littered with misplaced passes and little in the way of clear chances. However, Newport regained the lead when Ringwood goalkeeper Will Griffin misjudged a hopeful cross from Joe Butcher and punched the ball into his own net (2-1).
Half time: Newport 2-1 Ringwood
The second half began at pace and with a flurry of goals, though the quality of defending again proved costly. A Newport defensive lapse allowed Ringwood to equalise (2-2), before Butcher turned provider with a cross to the far post that Nash bundled home for his second of the afternoon (3-2).
Ringwood’s pressure eventually told when a misplaced midfield pass was intercepted and driven past Leon Pitman (3-3). Despite both sides making multiple substitutions and pushing for a winner, no further goals followed. Ringwood finished with a series of corners, while Newport almost snatched victory when Mikey Thompsett rose unmarked at a corner, but his header drifted wide.
Full time: Newport 3-3 Ringwood
Newport IW: Pitman, Grace, Thompsett, Young, Watterson, Lamb, Nash, Hancott, Taylor, Walsh, Butcher Subs: Catania, Goldberg, Benford, Linington, Conway. Man-of-the-Match: Joe Butcher
The draw leaves Newport 15th in Wessex Division 1 with 7 points from 6 games.
Port now turn their attention to the FA Vase next weekend when they travel to Sturminster Newton.
Newport were the only Isle of Wight Wessex League side in action on Saturday 13th September. East Cowes Victoria were without a game and Cowes Sports were unable to play their fixture at Hamworthy Recreation due to ferry issues.
