For the opening match of the season, Newport included new signing Jake Younie in their starting line up in midfield, as well as Matt Evans who has returned to the club.
Newport got off to a dream start taking the lead after four minutes when the ball was slipped through to Jake Younie, on the edge of the 6 yard box, who rounded a defender before gliding the ball into the net at the near post despite the efforts of an Alresford defender on the line.
Newport extended their lead on 36 minutes when Jake Younie and Ryan Gregory worked the ball around the penalty area before laying it in the path of Tom McInnes to steer it past the advancing keeper and into the net at the near post.
On 42 minutes Alresford’s Warren Bentley was denied a close range shot at goal by a last ditch tackle from James Butt. Straightaway, Newport counterattacked and Matt Evans fired in a shot that was comfortably saved by Jason Collins.
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A 25 yard shot from Ryan Gregory was charged down by Jason Collins but Matt Evans was quickest to react to tap the ball into the net from six yards to give Newport a three goal advantage.
On 84 minutes, Matt Evans nodded the ball into the path of Tom McInnes who headed in from close range for Newport’s fourth. Newport then made their second substitution when Iain Seabrook replaced Giancarlo Giancovich. Shortly afterwards John McKie repaced Tom McInnes.
Alresford had started the second half looking like a reinvigorated side as the home defence came under more pressure but the third goal shifted the momentum back to Newport. At the end of the season these could be three important points earned. Credit to referee Lee Rutter, who controlled the match, without needing to produce a yellow card.
Photograph and video by Mavis Siddons
