Newport maintained their 100% Wessex Division One record as Ji Nash’s superb 2nd-half strike secured victory at Alresford Town.
Port travelled to Alresford looking to make it 2 league wins from 2 on a landmark afternoon for Connor Kelly, who made his 300th Newport appearance.
On a difficult playing surface, neither side found much fluency and chances were at a premium. Newport threatened as early as the 3rd minute when a long throw from Kade Woodford caused problems in the Alresford penalty area, with Kelly’s resulting effort deflected behind for a corner.
At the other end, Brett Denham provided Alresford’s main threat. He headed over from a corner before another clever effort from 6 yards also cleared Leon Pitman’s crossbar.
Newport broke the deadlock in the 35th minute. Keelan Walsh cut in from the left before drilling the ball into the net to put Port ahead (0-1).
Alresford responded strongly and came close to levelling in 1st-half stoppage time, but Pitman produced a good low save to preserve Newport’s advantage.
Half Time: Alresford Town 0-1 Newport
The home side looked the more likely to score after the restart and drew level in the 58th minute when Newport failed to clear their lines, allowing Alresford to take advantage and finish from close range (1-1).
Newport made a double change in the 63rd minute, with Matthew Benford and Bradley Young replacing Walsh and Woodford.
Just 4 minutes later, Port regained the lead in spectacular fashion. Nash collected the ball on the right, cut inside and twice shaped to shoot before curling a superb effort into the top-left corner (1-2), another memorable moment for the forward at a ground where he scored 4 times last season.
Newport were forced to dig deep after taking the lead as Alresford pushed for another equaliser. George Holbrook expertly marshalled the back 4 alongside Jez Conway as Port dealt with the home side’s pressure.
Jordan Browne worked tirelessly as the lone striker for much of the afternoon, while Sonny Myram replaced Nash in the 81st minute and brought fresh energy, running the channels against a tiring Alresford defence.
Kelly’s landmark afternoon came to an end in the 89th minute when he was replaced by Jack Egerton-Read.
The hosts continued to press during 10 minutes of added time, with Port surviving one late scare from a corner when the ball flew through Pitman’s hands following pressure from Denham.
Full Time: Alresford Town 1-2 Newport
Newport: Pitman, Grace, Woodford, Hancott, Conway, Holbrook, Nash, Walsh, Browne (c), Butcher, Kelly. Subs: Young, Myram, Benford, Linington, Egerton-Read.
Man of the Match: George Holbrook
Newport have now won both of their Wessex Division One fixtures this season, taking a maximum 6 points and maintaining their 100% league record.
Port are back on the mainland next Saturday (29th August), when they travel to Hedge End Rangers.
