Newport beaten in key clash despite dominant second-half display on Saturday afternoon (4th April).
Newport slipped to only their 2nd defeat in 17 league games in a crucial ‘6-pointer’, where victory would have left just 1 point separating the sides.
Instead, defeat to Folland Sports – the Planemakers – sees the gap widen to 7 points, dealing a blow to Port’s push towards the play-off places.
Still missing key personnel, the County Town Club made several adjustments, with Gary Streeter returning in goal for his 406th appearance – his first since the final day of the 2023/24 season. Jez Conway led the line as Newport reverted to a back 5, while Jordan Browne featured in a protective mask following his midweek injury.
The opening half saw Newport struggle to find rhythm, often half a yard off the pace and guilty of stray passing. There was also frustration at several decisions, with the hosts fortunate to avoid further punishment for a couple of robust challenges.
Folland Sports took advantage, opening the scoring through Glasspool from the penalty spot (1-0) before doubling their lead shortly before the break when McLean reacted quickest to convert a rebound (2-0). Newport’s best effort came via a wind-assisted strike that was tipped over the bar.
Half Time: Folland Sports 2-0 Newport
As has become a feature in recent weeks, Newport emerged with renewed energy after the interval and took control of proceedings. The back 5 increased their physical presence, while the midfield began to link far more effectively with the forward line.
Chances followed. Conway went close on 2 occasions, while a goalmouth scramble from a corner almost provided a breakthrough. The home side began to lose composure, struggling to keep possession as Newport pushed forward.
A deserved goal finally arrived late on when Jack Egerton-Read reacted quickest inside the box to fire home from 7 yards (2-1).
With momentum firmly behind them, there looked to be only one side likely to score, but despite a lengthy period of added time, the equaliser would not come.
Full Time: Folland Sports 2-1 Newport
Newport: Streeter, Benford, Thompsett, Lamb, Holbrook, Conway, Grace, Walsh, Butcher, Browne, Nash. Subs: Egerton-Read, Linington, Ballinger, Mazambara.
Newport remain 7th in Wessex Division 1, 6 points behind 5th-placed Yateley United with 2 games in hand.
Port return to action on Tuesday (7th April) when they host Fawley at the Zilch Waste Stadium, kick-off 20:00.
