Ji Nash netted an 89th-minute winner as Newport claimed their first victory of the season in their historic debut at the Zilch Waste Stadium.
This was the first time Newport had played a competitive fixture at Westwood Park, home of Isle of Wight rivals Cowes Sports FC.
Lymington fielded 2 Island players – goalkeeper George Bridi (formerly of Cowes) and captain Scott Barron (formerly of both Cowes and Newport).
Port started brightly, with Ji Nash forcing an early save in the 4th minute before Michael Tompsett shot over from distance. The breakthrough came on 17 minutes when Harry Taylor unleashed a magnificent strike from outside the box to put Newport 1-0 up.
Taylor continued to threaten, seeing another effort deflected for a corner on 23 minutes, while captain Maca Watterson twice went close. But despite their dominance, Port could not extend the lead. Nash missed from close range on 36 minutes, player-manager Joe Butcher failed to convert a one-on-one on 37, Tompsett fired over moments later, and Butcher rattled the crossbar with a long-range strike just before the interval.
Half time: Newport IW 1-0 Lymington Town
The visitors came out much stronger after making 3 substitutions. Newport goalkeeper Leon Pitman was called into action on 50 minutes with a superb save from Connor Lopez, before Butcher went close at the other end. However, Lopez levelled matters on 63 minutes, lobbing Pitman to make it 1-1.
Nash nearly restored the lead immediately, forcing a fine stop from Bridi, before Port introduced Jez Conway, Matt Oatley and Sam Kirby from the bench. Watterson produced a crucial defensive block as Lymington pressed, but the decisive moment came in the 89th minute when Conway crossed to the far post for Nash to slot home and secure a famous victory to the delight of the 149 Port supporters in attendance.
Final score: Newport IW 2-1 Lymington Town
Newport IW XI: Pitman, Grace, Benford, Hancott, Watterson (c), Lamb, Nash, Walsh, Taylor, Tompsett, Butcher. Subs: Conway, Oatley, Kirby.
Man of the Match: Keelan Walsh
Port now sit 16th in the Wessex League Division 1 with 3 points from 4 games.
Further Wessex League match reports to appear on Island Echo…
