Newport ended their Wessex Division 1 season on a high with a comfortable win over Aldermaston this afternoon (Saturday).
The final league fixture of the campaign saw Newport collect the points needed to push beyond the 70-point mark and round off another strong season.
There was a timely boost for the hosts with several key returns. Matt Benford came in at left-back, allowing George Holbrook to switch flanks, while Mikey Thompsett partnered skipper Macauley Watterson in central defence. Joe Hancott passed a late fitness test to start, and Jez Conway led the line, with Jordan Browne among the substitutes.
With attention firmly on Ji Nash’s pursuit of 40 goals for the season, the forward delivered in the 18th minute with a superbly taken volley to put Newport ahead (1-0).
Aldermaston responded well and looked dangerous, particularly through Simeon Weekes, exploiting space down the flanks. However, their finishing let them down, while Leon Pitman was in inspired form, producing a number of excellent saves to preserve the lead.
Half Time: Newport 1-0 Aldermaston
The second half began at a slower tempo, reflecting the end-of-season mood, although Newport continued to look the more likely to add to their lead. Kai Grace, fresh from picking up the Young Player of the Season award, was a constant outlet on the right, repeatedly finding space and delivering dangerous balls into the area.
The hosts doubled their advantage after 53 minutes when substitute Jordan Browne made an immediate impact, striking from the edge of the box with a composed finish to make it (2-0).
With Aldermaston offering less of a threat after the break, Newport controlled proceedings and continued to press forward. Brad Young went close with a free-kick that drifted just wide, while Keelan Walsh, who covered every blade of grass and was later named man-of-the-match, was unfortunate not to add his name to the scoresheet.
The scoring was completed in the closing stages when Kudzi Mazambara showed neat footwork on the right before calmly slotting into the far corner to make it (3-0), sparking celebrations from teammates and supporters alike.
Full Time: Newport 3-0 Aldermaston
Newport: Pitman; Holbrook, Watterson, Thompsett, Benford (Egerton-Read 65), Grace, Walsh, Butcher (Mazambara 67), Hancott (Young 53), Conway (Browne 53), Nash (Ballinger 73) Subs: Egerton-Read, Mazambara, Young, Ballinger, Browne Man-of-the-Match: Keelan Walsh
Newport finish the season 7th in Wessex Division 1.
Newport now turn their attention to the Gold Cup Final on Friday (1st May), when they face Cowes Sports at Beatrice Avenue, East Cowes, with kick-off at 19:45.
