Newport predictably beat bottom club Fleet Spurs after an early scare this evening (Tuesday) but remain 5 points behind Wessex Division 1 leaders Andover New Street.
The Port began the brighter of the 2 teams but conceded an early 8th minute goal from Olly Ryman (1-0).
The County Town club continued to press, with Jordan Chapman hitting the crossbar.
The Port then equalized in the 26th minute through Ji Nash (1-1).
Newport attacked until the end of the 1st half but without finding the vital goal to put them into the lead at the half time break.
Half time: Fleet Spurs 1-1 Newport (IoW)
The 2nd half began with early chances for Port’s Jordan Chapman and Joe Butcher.
Ji Nash then had a shot stopped on the goal line by Spurs keeper Jack Coleman.
The Port were awarded a penalty in the 73rd minute, coolly converted by Josh Younie to take the lead for the 1st time in the game (1-2)
Captain Ryan Oatley made the game certain for the away side with a goal 8 minutes from full time (1-3).
Full time: Fleet Spurs 1-3 Newport (IoW)
Newport (IoW): Pitman, Boyd-Kerr, Hancott, Colson, Oatley, Burford, Younie, Chapman, Browne, Nash Subs: Reynolds, Streeter (gk), Malin, Pearce, Smith
In the other Tuesday evening game affecting the top of the table, new leaders Andover New Street won 0-3 at Ash United. With only 1 automatic promotion place and just 5 games of the season remaining, the Port’s advance to the Wessex Premier appears increasingly unlikely.
Wessex Division 1 table below:
