SYDENHAMS WESSEX LEAGUE DIVISION 1

                                            NEWPORT 3, FAWLEY 0

NEWPORT moved up to fourth the Sydenhams Wessex Division 1 table with games in hand after they won their sixth game on the bounce in all competitions.

On a chilly, wet Tuesday evening at Beatrice Avenue, East Cowes, the 126-strong crowd were treated to some impressive football — back into the kind of form seen before lockdown ruined their hopes of promotion to the Premier.

 

Newport could not have got off to a more encouraging start.

They were awarded a penalty after eight minutes when Jordan Browne was brought down, but top scorer, Connor Kelly, the hero from the spot against Alton in the FA Vase on Saturday, fluffed his lines.

Isle of Wight County Press: Connor Kelly missed a penalty early on. Photo: Graham BrownConnor Kelly missed a penalty early on. Photo: Graham Brown

Port continued to press and their patience was rewarded when Joe Craig broke the deadlock in the 41st minute.

Some great interchanging between Kelly, Joe Butcher and Browne — three players in form — the ball was fed to Craig, who slotted home.

After the break, Newport began well and it was not long before they doubled their advantage.

Isle of Wight County Press: Joe Craig scored a brace against Fawley. Photo: Graham BrownJoe Craig scored a brace against Fawley. Photo: Graham Brown

Jake Wright went on a mazy run deep into the Fawley half and found Butcher down the left, who in turn drilled an inch-perfect pass to Craig, who controlled the ball well and finished with aplomb.

Fawley responded well and looked good going forward.

But with Newport centre back Martin McDonough putting in a captain’s performance, and keeper Joe McCormack, standing in for the injured Gary Streeter, looking confident and commanding, the visitors never really looked like scoring.

Isle of Wight County Press: Martin McDonough was a colossus at the back for Newport against Fawley. Photo: Graham BrownMartin McDonough was a colossus at the back for Newport against Fawley. Photo: Graham Brown

After making a few mistakes, Newport put extra pressure on the Fawley keeper, who made amends with some decent stops — including an excellent low save on 75 minutes from Jake Wright, who skipped past several Fawley players before shooting.

However, four minutes later, Newport got their third goal thanks to Brown, who was alert to a shot by Butcher which came back off the crossbar.

Isle of Wight County Press: Jordan Browne was on the scoresheet again with Newport's third against Fawley. Photo: Graham BrownJordan Browne was on the scoresheet again with Newport's third against Fawley. Photo: Graham Brown

Newport, who have lost just one of their past 16 league games, are away at mid-table Petersfield Town on Saturday.

A win, if results go their way, could see them leap into second place behind Laverstock and Ford, with two games in hand.