NEWPORT made it ten wins from 11 Wessex League matches — with plenty of games in hand on the top two — to move up to third.

                                              NEWPORT 3, ANDOVER TOWN 2

But the yellows were made to work for it against a strong and well-organised Andover Town side, who just missed out on promotion with Port last season.

The hosts began well, with Connor Kelly looking a threat.

Kelly then turned provider for Joe Craig, who spotted the keeper off his line and deftly lob him to open the scoring. 

Isle of Wight County Press: Joe Craig scoring his wonder goal.Joe Craig scoring his wonder goal. (Image: Graham Brown.)

Craig returned the favour, but Kelly’s effort was well saved.

Kelly then fired just wide and a Josh Younie effort warmed up the keeper’s hands — and the crowd at Smallbrook Stadium in Ryde yesterday (Saturday) — with Port well on top.

Eventually, Newport doubled their lead — good work from Kelly down the left, saw him play in Jordan Browne, who finished well under pressure.

Andover pulled one back with a superb finish, but Newport responded well, with Joe Butcher forcing the keeper to tip over. 

Isle of Wight County Press: Jordan Brown scored Newport's second goal.Jordan Brown scored Newport's second goal. (Image: Graham Brown.)

Isle of Wight County Press:

But after another Butcher effort which went close from the resulting corner, Connor Kelly was on hand to make it 3-1.

With Newport creating chance after chance, Browne was unlucky to see his shot miss the target just before the break.

It was never going to be easy to maintain such levels in the second period and it was no surprise to see Andover step it up and get themselves back in the game at 3-2 early on.

A strong run and cross by Craig found Butcher, who was inches away from making it four. 

Isle of Wight County Press: Connor Kelly scored Newport's third goal.Connor Kelly scored Newport's third goal. (Image: Graham Brown.)

Isle of Wight County Press:

Craig was agonisingly close to making it 4-2 himself, but Port saw out the game to take three vital points.

Afterwards, Newport boss Steve Brougham said: “It was a very important result in our quest for promotion.

“We played well and should have been out of sight at half-time.

“But we let Andover get back in the game and we had to work hard to secure the result.”

Scott Barron was man of the match after a solid and dependable defensive display.

Newport: Pitman, Coulson, Hancott, Boyd-Kerr, Barron, Oatley, Kelly, Younie, Craig, Browne, Butcher. Subs: McCormack, Triggs, Lamb, McDonough, Smith.