Recently formed Salisbury FC were making their first visit to St George’s Park on Tuesday and their starting line up including former Newport player, George Colson.
For Newport IW Football Club, Joe Butcher made his debut and Joe McCormack appeared in goal, almost 20 years after he made his debut. Jimmi Burton replaced Ryan Thomas who picked up an injury in Saturdays game at AFC Portchester.
It was Salisbury who kicked off attacking the Shide end and within two minutes had taken the lead. The ball was slipped through to Daniel Young who steered it low past Joe McCormack and into the corner of the net.
Having conceded a goal, Newport kept Salisbury pinned in their own half for a considerable period of time. From a corner, a header from Scott Sampson was tipped over the bar by Gareth Barfoot then a 20 yard shot from Matt Gane narrowly passed wide of the post.
A quick break by Salisbury led to their second goal on 24 minutes. Sam Wilson attacked down the right before playing the ball into the penalty area where Kane O’Keefe was able to kick it into the net.
Steven Walker was shown the first yellow card for an aerial challenge on Darren Powell. As Newport pressed forward, Jimmi Burton had a shot cleared off the line.
Although Newport had had plenty of possession, Salisbury’s clinical finishing had been the difference between the two sides at the interval.
In the second period, a strong tackle by Jimmi Burton on 14 minutes earned him a yellow card.
Salisbury made a double substitution on 65 minutes bringing off Claudio Herbert and Ashley Jarvis and replacing them with Jack Maloney and Daniel Demkiv. Newport responsed by bringing on Josh Maloney for Liam Slaven. This resulted in two brothers playing against each other (Jack Maloney, Salisbury) and (Josh Maloney, Newport IW).
Joe McCormack produced a good save pushing away a 20 yard blast from George Colson then Joe Butcher ran through the defence but fired over. Salisbury made their final substitution by replacing George Colson with Patrick Nolan.
Newport were now enjoying a good spell and three consecutive corners put pressure on the Salisbury defence. With ten minutes remaining, Newport brought on Liam Bennett for Ashley Gulliver in attack and he was soon in action picking the ball up in the centre circle before running to the edge of the penalty area, but his shot swerved wide.
Salisbury were pushing forward seeking a goal to make the match safe and Thomas Whelan had a chip from 15 yards that struck the base of the post. A run by Jack Maloney, in stoppage time, ended when he was fouled by Liam Newbold, earning the defender a yellow card. From Thomas Whelan’s free kick, Steven Walker headed the third goal at the far post to ensure that Salisbury took all the points.
A good all round display from Newport but they were unable to break down a resolute Salisbury defence.
FT: Newport IW 0-3 Salisbury FC
Newport IW FC next play on Saturday at home to Whitchurch Utd.
