Newport chalked up their 8th successive victory in Wessex Division 1 by beating 2nd-placed New Milton Town in driving rain at the DMW stadium on Tuesday evening.
The Port began the game on the front foot with flying winger Connor Kelly hitting the post after just 3 minutes.
The Linnets then struck back with Leon Pitman forced to make 2 good saves to prevent New Milton from taking the lead.
The County Town team took the lead in the 28th minute when a pinpoint cross from George Colson on the right found the head of Jordan’s Browne (0-1).
4 minutes later, Connor Kelly made an incisive run down the left, crossing the ball in for Joe Butcher to take his time and stick the ball in the back of the net (0-2).
The Port should have had a bigger advantage going into the half time break, with Joe Craig hitting the upright shortly before the interval.
Half time: New Milton Town 0-2 Newport IoW
The Port began the 2nd half brightly with Josh Younie setting up Joe Craig, who put his shot over the crossbar. Joe Butcher then had a close-range effort pushed out for a corner
The Linnets attempted to strike back, forcing a pair of spectacular saves from Leon Pitman. However, the final chance of the game fell to Joe Butcher, who sent the ball flying inches over the crossbar.
Full time: New Milton Town 0-2 Newport IoW
Newport IoW: Ptitman, Colson, Hancott, Lamb (Smith), Barron, Oatley, Kelly, Younie (Harris), Browne, Craig (Boyd-Kerr), Butcher
The Port’s victory leaves them in 4th place in Wessex Division 1 with 27 points from 10 games – 4 points behind leaders Downton but with 4 games in hand.
Cowes Sports’ Wessex Premier game against Baffins Milton Rovers on Tuesday evening was a casualty of the weather, being postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.
Below: Wessex Division 1 table (top)
