Newport have narrowly failed to gain promotion to the Wessex Premier for the 2nd successive season, losing on penalties to Petersfield Town after drawing 0-0 over 90 minutes.
The Port put out a strong side against the Rams but had Joe Hancott, Jacob Reynolds and Neo Lamb absent. Joe Craig returned to the bench after a period of suspension and injury.
This was a game of few chances. Connor Kelly struck the ball over the crossbar in the opening minutes. In the 23rd minute, Ji Nash was dispossessed in a promising position. On the half-hour mark, Scott Barron also hoofed the ball over the crossbar from the edge of the penalty area.
At the other end of the pitch, Petersfield threatened little. It took until 35 minutes for the away side to win their 1st corner.
The 1st half ended in stalemate. Would the 2nd half provide greater entertainment for the 279 spectators present?
Half time: Newport IoW 0-0 Petersfield Town
Port manager Steve Brougham made some changes at the start of the 2nd half to bolster the Port’s attacking threat. 1st, he brought on Joe Craig for the hard-working Aaron Burford. Then, he took off Ji Nash for the striker to be replaced by Joe Butcher.
The changes came close to breaking the deadlock. In the 70th minute, Joe Craig had a close-range shot blocked by a defender at the near post.
The Port’s best chance came in the 76th minute when Joe Butcher had a shot from the edge of the penalty area brilliantly stopped by teenage Petersfield keeper Harry Greenfield. who tipped the ball over the bar.
The County Town club continued to battle gamely to win the game in 90 minutes right up to the final whistle but were unable to break down a resolute Rams defence.
Full time: Newport IoW 0-0 Petersfield Town
And so to penalties. Both sides scored their allotted 6 spot kicks without mishap. Then it went to sudden death …
Again, Petersfield netted 3 in quick succession. Jordan Browne and then Joe Butcher converted theirs.
Goalkeeper Leon Pitman was given the job of taking Newport’s 9th, which was saved by Greenfield.
And so ended Port’s league campaign with a narrow failure to gain promotion for a 2nd successive season.
Newport IoW: Pitman, Hughes, Triggs, Colson, Oatley, Barron, Kelly, Younie, Browne, Buirford, Nash Subs: Boyd-Kerr, Pearce, Craig, Butcher, Chapman
After the game, Newport player Joe Hancott – who missed the game due to hamstring issues – said:
“We have taken 169 points over 2 seasons. We could have won 2 divisions with that number of points.
“We’re a close group of lads who stick together. We’ll be back again next season.
“Petersfield are a good side. I hope they go on to gain promotion in the playoff final.”
Newport manager Steve Brougham was understandably unhappy about his side’s failure to gain promotion.
Steve said:
“It’s criminal you don’t go up for coming 2nd. We play 38 games, and it all goes down to penalty kicks.
“I can’t fault any of my lads tonight. Petersfield did not have a shot on target all game. Our goalkeeper had absolutely nothing to do.”
Petersfield joint manager Joe Lea said:
“Newport edged it tonight. But over the 5 games we played each other over the season, we played better.
“I put our win down to good team spirit.”
With work on Newport’s new ground at the Racecourse in Whippingham having not yet started, the County Town club are still homeless. Their 2-year lease at Smallbrook has now come to an end.
A ground share agreement is required with a club whose facilities meet Wessex League requirements. Only 2 clubs on the Island – East Cowes Vics and Cowes Sports – currently meet the criteria. The Port are highly unlikely to play at Westwood Park.
An announcement on Newport’s temporary home for next season is expected in the near future.
Should have been a penalty clause for not getting the new ground started/completed.Maybe the monies have disappeared.Has anyone asked?
Only 2 clubs on the Island – East Cowes Vics and Cowes Sports – currently meet the criteria. The Port are highly unlikely to play at Westwood Park.
Correct me if I’m wrong but Brading’s ground still meets the Wessex requirements
They did meet Wessex requirements. No doubt they could do so again.
I think it’s terrible.