Newport returned to winning ways this afternoon as they defeated Fleet Spurs from the Combined Counties League Div 1, 5-2 in the first qualifying round of the F.A.Vase.
It was warm overcast conditions that greeted Fleet Spurs making their first visit to St George’s Park. Newport made four changes from the side that lost to Portchester on Tuesday night. Gary Streeter returned in goal, Darren Powell and Mark Taylor returned in place of Spike Pearce and Lewis Wright and Josh Younie replaced Matt Gane. Fleet Spurs made three changes from the side that lost to league leaders Eversley & California last week.
Fleet Spurs kicked off attacking the Shide end. Within six minutes Newport had the lead. Emerson Tattersall chased a long ball which the keeper should have cleared. As Mark Appleby attempted to control it, he was dispossessed by Emerson Tattersall, who then had the simple task of steering the ball into the empty net. Newport had a second goal ruled out because of offside. From a midfield tackle the ball broke to Emerson Tattersall but instead of trying to round the keeper he passed to an offside colleague.
Fleet were having problems with the pace of the Newport attack as the home side began to control midfield however in a rare Fleet Spurs counterattack Sam Knowles blasted across the face of the goal but Peter Lines at the far post found his shot smothered by Gary Streeter.
Newport increased their lead on 35 minutes. Charlie Urry received the ball on the edge of the penalty area, jinxed around a couple of defenders, created space for himself then drove the ball into the corner of the net. Three minutes later a Fleet clearance struck another defender and rebounded to Emerson Tattersall,who raced goalwards and slotted the ball past the advancing Mark Appleby, into the net.
Newport fully deserved their half time advantage
HALF TIME NEWPORT 3 FLEET SPURS 0
Within three minutes Newport had a fourth goal when Charlie Urry raced on to a through ball, rounded Mark Appleby and tapped the ball into the net from close range. A minute later Emerson Tattersall scored the fifth when he ran on to a low cross from Mark Taylor.
Fleet Spurs were awarded a penalty on 57 minutes following a foul by Aiden Sainsbury. Sam Knowles placed the penalty well out of the reach of Gary Streeter. In a five minute spell both teams made two substitutions. As a result of the substitutions, Newport’s tempo dipped slightly and Fleet Spurs came more into the match but still Newport continued to pepper the Fleet goal with shots. As the match meandered to a conclusion Newport struck the post and crossbar and were frequently denied by good goalkeeping by Mark Appleby.
Fleet created a few chances with Dan Murray producing a good save from Gary Streeter then in the final minute Thomas Chillery scored a consolation goal with a 20 yard shot that gave Gary Streeter no chance.
A excellent performance from Newport and in the next round on September 23rd they are at home to Alresford Town.
Final Score: NEWPORT 5 FLEET SPURS 2
Newport: Streeter, Quigley, Reynolds (Turkington), Sainsbury, McDonough (Gane), Powell, Harmer (Drew), Taylor, Urry, Tattersall, Josh Younie.
Referee: Peter Lowe
Attendance 71