Newport braved gale-force winds and torrential rain to secure their first victory of the year away at Blackfield & Langley last night (Tuesday).
Credit must go to the Blackfield groundsman for getting the game on and, despite the testing conditions, the match was never in danger of abandonment. Both sides deserve credit for attempting to play football, keeping the ball on the deck whenever possible.
With the wind at their backs in the first half, Newport started brightly and created early half chances, Ji Nash, Jez Conway and Joe Butcher all going close. The breakthrough arrived on 38 minutes when Butcher returned to haunt his former club, finishing calmly into the far corner to give Port a deserved lead (0-1).
Half Time: Blackfield & Langley 0-1 Newport IW
An equaliser always looked possible and it took an excellent save from Leon Pitman to preserve Newport’s advantage before the break. The hosts began the second half strongly and were rewarded on 51 minutes, levelling from a corner with a brave header that resulted in a clash of heads, leaving a player from each side requiring treatment before continuing.
The game opened up on the heavy surface as fatigue set in. Both benches were used, with Luca Weeks and Matt Benford injecting energy and combining well down the left.
Just when it looked like the points would be shared, Newport struck again. On 89 minutes, another flowing move down the left saw the ball reach Nash at the far post, and the forward cut inside before drilling his finish under the goalkeeper to spark celebrations among the travelling support (1-2).
Despite six minutes of stoppage time, Newport held firm, Pitman tipping one final corner over the bar to seal a hard-earned victory.
Full Time: Blackfield & Langley 1-2 Newport IW
Newport: Pitman, Hancott, Watterson, Holbrook, Thompsett, Lamb, Grace, Conway, Walsh, Butcher, Nash. Subs: Benford, Linington, Weeks, Arnold.
The win lifts Newport to 10th in Wessex Division 1 with 32 points from 19 games. East Cowes Vics’ match with Laverstock & Ford and Cowes Sports’ trip to Hythe & Dibden were both postponed due to the weather, the latter especially frustrating after Cowes had already travelled for the fixture.
Weather permitting, Newport host Amesbury on Saturday before welcoming Romsey Town in midweek.
