Town Pick Up Point At Newport

A scrappy start to the game with Newport threatening early on eventually led to a breakthrough for the home side, a header at the back post from Smails , in the 21st minute. Minutes after Archie Mclelland saw a volley blocked by former Town centre half Kyle Davison Gordon, a positive reaction to going a goal down from Leighton. Newport again found themselves in a goal scoring position with a free kick in the 25th minute, that was saved by Brad Kirkwood. Newport’s quality continued to show throughout the first half , with another former Town player in O’Brien firing over from range. Leighton’s pressure in the last third is finally rewarded when Louie Collier fantastically ushers Davison Gordon into a tough position in his own area and nicks the ball off him, slotting it with a calm finish into the bottom right, 1-1, Game on at Willen road. The first 45 comes to an end and it is all to play for in what so far, hasn’t been the prettiest of games for either side. The boys in red and white come out for the second half with purpose and an onslaught on the Newport goal ensues, including a dangerous Tom Silford free kick whipped in forcing a save from the ‘keeper, with no chances coming to fruition however. Against the run of play Newport go back in front with a powerful free kick from the right side of the area in the 64th minute. The next 10 minutes Newport relentlessness showed and Leighton showed their defensive discipline once again, keeping the town in the game. With 15 minutes left on the clock the town bring on Ross Adams and Sonny Newbury-Barr in hope of an equaliser. A challenge in the 86th minute in the Newport half on Tom Silford left the full back down injured, after 10 minutes or so Silford was stretchered off, with Ben Pattie coming on in his place. Leighton continued to push for the equaliser, it looked as if it just was not our day. In the 90th minute, up steps Joe Fitzgerald. A missed opportunity from the town sets up a Newport counter-attack, Fitzgerald found himself with the the ball back, in his own half. Smashing it with all his might up the pitch, A silence spread as Willen road watched the ball go right over former town ‘Keeper Tom Wyant’s head and hit the back of the net. Joyous scenes from the players and the big away following. After a few more half chances for the town as well as brad preventing a winner for the home side with a brave save, the referee whistles for full-time. Another enthralling game! Next up is Leverstock Green at bell close this Saturday, 3 PM Kick off. Make sure to get there early as it’s likely to be another sell-out!

Report by Ben Davage