Newport bounced back from their FA Vase exit with a win over Fleetlands at the Zilch Waste Stadium last night (Tuesday).
The home side made a lively start, with Ji Nash testing the Coptermen’s goalkeeper early on and Harry Taylor striking the upright. Port pressed high, keeping the visitors grounded and forcing Fleetlands into long balls and hurried passes. Their dominance paid off on 20 minutes when Joe Butcher was left unmarked in the 6-yard box to bundle home a Nash cross from close range (1-0).
Nash, who was proving a constant menace, then produced the moment of the night in the 28th minute. Cutting inside from the left, he unleashed a thunderous strike that flew into the top corner, leaving the Fleetlands goalkeeper with no chance (2-0). Port went into the interval with a deserved two-goal cushion.
Half time: Newort IW 2-0 Fleetlands
Fleetlands came out stronger in the second half, seeing more of the ball as Newport dug in to protect their advantage. Taylor went close with a strike from the edge of the box, but much of the play was directed at the other end. Despite enjoying more possession, the Coptermen struggled to lift off against Newport’s well-organised defence. A series of corners brought appeals for a penalty, but the referee waved them away, ignoring voiciferous protests from the away side.
The Fleetlands manager grew increasingly frustrated on the touchline and was eventually shown a yellow card after clashing with officials. His side, however, could not find a way through, leaving Port’s back line to preserve a clean sheet.
The only downside for the home team was an injury to skipper Macauley Waterson in the closing stages. The midfielder left the pitch with a suspected quad problem, although he is expected to return before too long.
Full time: Newport IW 2-0 Fleetlands
Newport IW FC: Pitman, Hancott, Watterson (Benford 70), Lamb, Thompsett, Grace, Young (Catania 86), Taylor (Conway 67), Walsh (Oatley 90), Butcher, Nash (Linington 90)
Man-of-the-match: Ji Nash
The result secured Newport’s third league victory and lifted Port to 13th in the Wessex Division One table with 10 points from 7 games. With momentum building, Newport will look to continue their good league form when Alresford visit the Isle of Wight this Saturday.
VICS DEFEATED AS BAFFINS CAPITALISE ON EARLY MISTAKES AT PMC STADIUM
East Cowes Victoria were beaten by Baffins Milton Rovers in Portsmouth.
Vics started brightly, with Baffins keeper Dylan Kramer doing well to tip over a goal-bound header from Josh Neale for a corner. However, Baffins took the lead on 13 minutes thanks to a defensive mistake, with Jamie Truckel tucking the ball home (1-0).
Baffins continued to press, and Danny Burroughs was fouled just outside the box. The resulting free-kick was dealt with comfortably by Vics keeper Alex Ram. The pressure told just before the break when Oli Davies was pulled down in the area after a through ball to Truckel, earning a penalty which he calmly converted to (2-0).
Vics tried to respond in the second half but struggled to break down a well-organised Baffins defence. Captain Liam Newbold was fortunate to only receive a yellow card for a late challenge on Davies. Despite enjoying more possession, East Cowes could not find a way past the home side, leaving them frustrated until the final whistle.
Full time: Baffins Milton Rovers 2-0 East Cowes Victoria
East Cowes Victoria: Alex Ram, Snow, Newbold (c), Triggs, Holbrook, Chapman, Jake Wright, J. Neale, C. Neale, Wheeler, Kelly. Subs: Coode, Voller, Furmidge, Jamie Wright, Mazambara
The result leaves Vics in 15th place in the Wessex Premier table with 7 points from 5 games. The Victorians next take on Millbrook at Beatrice Avenue on Saturday.
Cowes Sports are without a midweek game. This Saturday, the Yachtsmen travel to the New Forest to face Brockenhurst in the Wessex Premier.
The Yachtmen have been drawn away to Bearstead from Kent in the first round proper of the FA Vase with the game to take place on 18th October.
