Newport travelled to Petersfield on Saturday in confident mood. Although they had been beaten in their four previous league games, in those matches they had played league leaders Amesbury twice, third places Romsey Town and fourth placed US Portsmouth.
Newport welcomed back Caleb Charlesworth who has re-signed from East Cowes Vics and went straight into defence. Darren Powell also started at the back and Jared Cousins started up front in place of Jordan Browne.
The Port didn’t get off to the best of starts when in the 5th minute a mistimed tackle from Darren Powell resulted in a penalty for the home side. Gary Streeter is a formidable opponent especially when faced from the penalty spot. The veteran keeper anticipated the spot kick correctly and battered the ball away.
Petersfield continued on the attack unbowed and had the upper hand for long spells. On 31 minutes Newport were to go ahead, somewhat against the run of play. A ball was cleared by the Petersfield defence, which ran to Neo Lamb who from 30 yards out took it first time and his powerful shot deceived the keeper who got his hands to the ball but couldn’t keep it out.
Half Time: Petersfield Town 0 Newport 1
Petersfield had obviously been shaken by the goal and came out for the second half in even more determined mood. They took the game to Newport but Andy Sampson’s men gave an excellent second half performance of counter attacking football.
Twice in a 10 minute spell they broke swiftly, sweeping the ball through to Connor Kelly, who twice in one on ones with the keeper, tucked the ball in the back of the net. The goals coming on 70 and 78 minutes.
Man of the match was Martin McDonough who had given a fine captain’s performance throughout the afternoon.
FT: Petersfield Town 0 Newport 3
Newport: Gary Streeter, Ryan Hughes, Neo Lamb, Darren Powell (Harrison Yates), Martin McDonough, Caleb Charlesworth, Connor Kelly, Lewis Wright (Jacob Reynolds), Jared Cousins (Ben Snow), Jared Wetherick, Mark Taylor.