In a tense and dramatic encounter, Newport finally overcame a spirited Folland Sports side in a penalty shootout at Smallbrook on Wednesday evening (20th April).
The Port fielded a strong starting line-up. Defender Spike Pearce (injured) was the only 1st team regular absent. However, Newport were lucky to have the services of influential winger Connor Kelly, who had only returned to Gatwick from a Greek holiday at 15:00 that afternoon, and arrived at the ground with only minutes to spare. Veteran goalkeeper Gary Streeter also played despite recent news of a family bereavement.
The game was a cagey and closely fought encounter between 2 evenly matched sides. The Port’s first big chance came in the 18th minute when Folland’s goalkeeper Henry Newman handled the ball after receiving a back pass, leading to an indirect free kick in the penalty area. Josh Younie received the ball from the indirect kick, which was deflected over the crossbar.
The Port had further opportunities to score with Joe Craig twice heading over the crossbar. Folland also had their chances, and in the 41st minute, Matt Casey headed in a corner for the away side (0-1).
3 minutes later, the County Town club hit back through a bouncing Joe Craig header from a Josh Younie free kick (1-1) to leave the scores level at the interval.
Half time: Newport IW 1-1 Folland Sports
The 2nd half was another cagey affair with both sides cancelling each other out. Newport brought on their substitutes with Scott Sampson replacing Aaron Burford and Jacob Reynolds coming on for Neo Lamb. Folland also brought on their substitutes, with Augustine Banhire proving a thorn in the Newport defence, forcing a good save from Gary Streeter 8 minutes from the final whistle.
The Port came close to winning the game in the closing stages of full time. A Folland’s player handled the ball in the penalty area in the 88th minute in an incident missed by referee Dunn. A minute into time-added-on, Jordan Browne was fouled outside the penalty area but dead ball specialist Josh Younie could only manage to hit the Folland’s wall from a promising position. In the 3rd minute of injury time, Scott Samson hoofed the ball over the crossbar after a goalmouth scramble.
Full time: Newport IW 1-1 Folland Sports
In extra time, Folland were unlucky not to take the lead when a corner bounced off the Newport crossbar. Augustine Banhire also had a further opportunity to score stopped by Gary Streeter. In the final minute of extra-time, Joe Craig coolly lobbed the Folland’s keeper from 8 yards to send Newport players and supporters into ecstasy (2-1).
However, in the 5th minute of extra time injury time, ecstasy turned to agony for the home support when referee Dunn controversially awarded a penalty to the away side, which was coolly converted by Jake Long in the last kick of the game (2-2).
Extra time: Newport IW 2-2 Folland Sports
Newport IW: Streeter, Hughes, Lamb (Reynolds (Harper)), Burford (Sampson), McDonough (c), Triggs, Kelly. Younie, Browne, Craig, Butcher Subs (unused): Hancott, McCormack (gk)
And so, to penalties. Folland had their 3rd attempt stopped by the legs of veteran keeper Gary Streeter. Connor Kelly converted the final penalty for the Port.
Penalties: Newport IW 5-4 Folland Sports
After the game, relieved Newport co-manager Stewart Shepherd said:
“Gary (Streeter) heard he had lost his father before the game. I rang him in the morning to ask whether he was up to playing tonight. Gary told me it’s what his father would have wanted him to do.”
On Saturday, Newport face Laverstock & Ford at Smallbrook in the play off final for promotion to the Wessex Premier.
Up the PORT !
Well done lads,
Just a shame that you are homeless.
And I mean that nicely.
How and why did this come about ?
I myself, are starting to take a keen interest in the local football on the island.
Lost faith in the whole sport, when Upton Park got demolished.
Not to sure what IW team to start supporting, as I don’t want to be a glory hunter etc.
Does anybody know of how much a season ticket cost for Brading Town,
as I often pass the ground on the train.
And it looks SWEET !
Ps are there any local ULTRAS on the island ? And if so, what team.
Thanking you.
There’s only one choice. Newport are best team on the island. UTP