FRIDAY 17th MAY

HARTRIDGE TRIUMPH AT ANFIELD 

One of the most famous sporting venues in the world saw yet more celebrations as families, school staff and fellow pupils saw a tremendous fight back by the Hartridge team to defeat Blue Coat School and win the English Schools Football Association under-19 Trophy. 

A crowd of well over 500 witnessed the culmination of the 880-entry competition and, despite going 2-0 down within 13 minutes, the Hartridge team never looked out of it. Indeed, just prior to each of the Blue Coat goals the Hartridge side had chances with Matthew Currie hitting the crossbar and Lewis Sommers just failing to set up a goal from a good by-line position. 

The turning point came on 35 minutes when a Hartridge corner wasn’t totally cleared and Matthew Currie laid the ball back in for Lewis Sommers to score from close range. The score was back to level pegging four minutes before half time when a long throw got two separate headed flicks before Josh Dupres completed the route to goal. 

As the game went on through the second half Hartridge had a vast advantage in territorial and fitness terms and got the reward of the eventual winner in the 72^nd minute with Michael Evans’ superb cross from the left being headed home by Richard French at the far post.  

Blue Coat mustered a late threat and it took a tremendous save from Ryan Idze to keep one particular effort out but Hartridge thoroughly deserved a momentous win. The match, and the celebrations as skipper Guy Helman lifted the trophy will be remembered by the youngsters for the rest of their lives.

County line-up: R. Idze, L. Jones, M. Evans, J. Dupres, G. Helman, R. French, D. Lewis, A. Stevenson, R. Plant (G. Jones 89), L. Sommers, M. Currie. Subs: L. Stone, C. Wilson, R. Jones, A. Stewart. 

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TUESDAY 7th MAY - GWENT SENIOR CUP FINAL (at Caldicot)

NEWPORT COUNTY AFC 4 RTB EBBW VALE 1 

We retained the Gwent Senior Cup once more (our sixth consecutive lifting of the trophy) in a game that saw us need to come from behind to win. 

Lee Hinch’s successful 20^th minute penalty threatened a surprise final outcome but, ten minutes later, Lee Phillips equalised (our 100^th first team goal of the season) and Richard French then put us ahead from extremely close range on the brink of half time. 

Darren Ryan was the main instigator of chances and from his 70^th minute cross, Matthew Currie hammered home an unstoppable volley. “Dazza” set up our fourth ten minutes from the end with, this time, Rhys Edwards applying the finish. 

Scott Walker was named Man-of-the-Match by the Cup committee. 

County line-up: P. Mountain, L. Jones, S. Walker, A. Thomas, J. Eckhardt, R. French (R. Edward 70), M. Fowler, G. Jones (D. Lewis 56), L. Phillips, D. Ryan, M. Currie (S. Pearce 79). Subs: L. Stone, J. Dupres. 

FRIDAY 3rd MAY - PAT TAKES TOP ACCOLADES

 A successful, and enjoyable Presentation Evening at the Holiday Inn, with 240 guests being able to applaud their playing heroes as a full range of awards were announced. 

Pride of place must go to goalkeeper Pat Mountain who took home four trophies, including the top award, the Patrons’ Cup as Newport County AFC Player of the Year. 

The Brian Toms President’s Cup for Player’s Player went to Billy Clark with Martin Paul receiving the Tom Gardner Trophy for top scorer. 

The main club awards for the ever-improving youth players saw Andrew Thomas win the Doc Heffernan Shield for Young Player of the Year, Lewis Sommers take the Newport County AFC Youth Team Player of the Year trophy and Gethin Jones named Player’s Player. 

A little earlier in the evening, the Supporters Club named their award winners with Pat Mountain taking both their Player of the Year and Away Player of the Year trophies and Andrew Thomas got the first leg of an eventual “double” by being named Young Player of the Year. 

Two supporters also won trophies with Chris Richards being named Young Supporter of the Year and Andrew Haskins awarded the Supporter of the Year trophy. 

At the start of the event, the inaugural Amber Army awards were a foretaste of the main club awards with Pat Mountain being named as their Player of the Year and Billy Clark the runner-up. 

The evening was enhanced by the video replay of the FA Cup match at Blackpool and the performance of the Amairgin the Gael Ceilidh Band. We are also indebted to the sponsors for the evening, which included Coors, South Wales Argus, Papershred and the Amber Army. 

SATURDAY 27th APRIL

NEWPORT COUNTY AFC 3 CHELMSFORD CITY 0

A fifth place finish, our highest pyramid outcome ever, was confirmed in what proved to be a straightforward win to end our league season. An early goal helped us on our way and, once Chelmsford had wasted their best chance early in the second half, the result was in little doubt. 

Martin Paul had already had one sight on goal before the fourth minute move that saw him give us the lead. His first volley may have gone for a goal kick but, when Allan Stevenson provided the pass, “Birdie” took it on, committed goalkeeper Richard Hurst, rounding him to score. 

Ian Cambridge then headed over for Chelmsford, Junior Samuels headed wide and then Allan Stevenson made it 2-0. Matt Rose cut in along the right hand by-line, delivering the ball straight into Allan’s stride, our teenage midfielder finding good power from his volley from some ten yards. 

Chelmsford had two chances in the first ten minutes of the second half, Cambridge wasting the first and Pat Mountain coming out and foiling Ben Eaton with a good block low down to his left. 

Darren Ryan, on for Mike Fowler, shot straight at the ‘keeper, Russell Williamson did likewise to Pat at the other end and the wind was well out of Chelmsford’s sails by the time Stuart James passed to Lee Phillips, whose 76^th minute shot, aided by a deflection, beat Richard Hurst. 

It was almost 4-0 three minutes later when Lee Phillips’ shot was blocked and, Martin Paul looked favourite to put it in, but defender Garry Cross made a tremendous last-ditch tackle. 

County line-up: P. Mountain, D. Robison, M. Fowler (D. Ryan 58), J. Eckhardt, A. Thomas, A. Stevenson (S. Benton 81), M. Rose, S. Walker, L. Phillips, M. Paul, S. Cowe (S. James 73). Att: 804. 

The match attendance was our highest in the league since the end of December and came on a day when Kettering clinched the Dr. Martens title ahead of morning leader Tamworth and King’s Lynn and Newport IOW joined Merthyr and Salisbury in the relegation quartet. Up to the Premier Division for next season are Hastings Town, Grantham Town, Halesowen Town and Chippenham Town.

MONDAY 22nd APRIL

NEWPORT COUNTY AFC 2 HAVANT & WATERLOOVILLE 0 

A silky display against third placed Havant, aided and abetted by two superb goals from Lee Phillips, lifted us to fifth place in the Premier Division and we will now look to consolidate for our best ever finishing position when Chelmsford City come to the Stadium on Saturday. 

We were on top right from the start with Martin Paul shooting over, Matt Rose firing too high and Stuart James seeing shots either going wide or being deflected – all this in the first quarter of an hour. 

We got the reward for that early pressure when, on 21 minutes, as a move threatened to break down, Mike Fowler crossed and Lee Phillips held his position and got to the ball in front of a defender to head home. 

Havant came back late in the half and Pat Mountain made a point blank save from James O’Rourke after an earlier shot by the player came back off the angle. Pat was in action early in the second half having to go full length to stop a Chris Ferret free kick but, on 61 minutes, we doubled our lead. 

Matt Rose broke through midfield and set Lee Phillips away with a perfect pass. Our striker took it in his stride and unleashed a tremendous shot across goalkeeper Paul Nicholls into the far corner. 

Despite Pat needing to make another save from O’Rourke, we could have increased the final margin of victory but Matt Rose and Lee Phillips, Lee looking to complete his hat trick, both had shots blocked and substitute Darren Ryan forced Nicholls to make one final stoppage time save. 

County line-up: P. Mountain, D. Robison, M. Fowler, B. Clark (J. Eckhardt 62), A. Thomas, A. Stevenson (D. Ryan 80), M. Rose, S. Walker, L. Phillips, M. Paul ,S. James (S. Cowe 71). Att: 525.

SATURDAY 20th APRIL

WELLING UNITED 0 NEWPORT COUNTY AFC 0

Our 61^st game of the season, the last away Dr Martens match of the campaign, may not have produced any goals but it did strengthen our challenge for a fifth place finish with both Worcester and Tiverton both losing on their travels. 

We certainly looked the better side at Park View Road and could have been well clear at half time with Scott Walker having our best chances but seeing home goalkeeper Glen Knight save twice in the space of four minutes, the second a full stretch dive to tip a shot around a post. 

With the home side still in relegation danger and showing some anxiety, the game wasn’t a free flowing one and, Scotty’s chances apart, there was little to get excited about in the first 45 minutes. We again had a couple of chances soon after the break when Lee Phillips, happily restored to the starting line up, broke down the left and, having seen his shot blocked, then saw Martin Paul fire inches wide from the rebound. 

The best piece of skill on offer came from Allan Stevenson on 53 minutes, a classy 360 degree turn on the edge of the area which unfortunately ended with his shot going straight at Knight. 

For a while Welling seized the initiative and Anthony Hogg’s first touch let him down when clear in our area and allowed Pat Mountain to smother the ball. Pat was the busier of the two ‘keepers in the later stages, tipping over a Dean Standen free kick and making two saves from Curtis Johnson, enabling us to reach the sixty-point mark for the season with two home games left. 

County line-up: P. Mountain, D. Robison, M. Fowler, B. Clark, A. Thomas, A. Stevenson, M. Rose, S. Walker, L. Phillips, M. Paul (J. Eckhardt 76), S. Cowe . Subs: S. James, R. Edwards. Att: 649. 

THURSDAY 18th APRIL

CHEPSTOW TOWN 1 NEWPORT COUNTY AFC 3 

We reached another Gwent Senior Cup Final with this win at Larkfield, all the goals coming in the second half. We should have been ahead at the break but Lewis Sommers put a point blank header straight at goalkeeper Phil Baynton and guided another headed effort downward and then saw it bounce up over the crossbar. 

We took the lead after 52 minutes when Rhys Edwards scored from close range and, after Lee Phillips had come on from the bench, our on-loan striker saw a shot tipped away by the Chepstow ‘keeper.  

It was Andrew Thomas, with a header from a Matthew Currie corner, that increased our lead and, after Dave Heal had pulled one back from Chepstow from an acute angle, Mike Fowler put any thoughts of an upset to rest with a well struck shot ten minutes from time. The other semi final, between Caerleon and RTB Ebbw Vale, is scheduled for next Monday. 

County line-up: P. Mountain, L. Jones, S. Walker, J. Dupres, A. Thomas (L. Stone 83), R. Edwards, D. Lewis (R. Jones 64), M. Fowler, L. Sommers, A. Stewart (L. Phillips 56), M. Currie. Sub: J. Rowberry,

MONDAY 15th APRIL

NEWPORT COUNTY AFC 4 FOLKESTONE INVICTA 1

Our biggest home win of the season takes us up to seventh place in the Dr. Martens Premier but, despite a promising start, we actually needed to come from a goal down to win the game. 

With Darren Ryan and the teenage midfield duo of Nathan Davies and Allan Stevenson all sidelined through injury, we were forced to make changes after Saturday’s good display but were causing Folkestone immediate problems. Steve Cowe’s fourth minute cross was headed goalward by Martin Paul, only to see opposition goalkeeper Paul Egan push it onto the crossbar and, eventually, to safety. 

We were then hit by a Folkestone break and, from Danny Chapman’s cross, Mark Towse headed powerfully past Pat Mountain. After Egan had made another excellent save, this time from Scott Walker, we then had Matt Rose shoot over but “Rosey” made amends, levelling with a great low left foot shot eleven minutes before the break. 

We took the lead with an hour gone when Towse scored at the wrong end to complete an unwanted double. He misdirected a headed clearance from a Steve Cowe cross, the ball whistling past a helpless Egan. By way of celebration, we almost got the third straightaway with Jeff Eckhardt heading against a post from a corner and both Martin Paul and Andrew Thomas failing to make contact with the rebound. 

The two-goal cushion did arrive on 77 minutes when Darren Robison’s through ball set Martin Paul away and some cool control and a strong finishing volley did the trick. We were now in control and were able to use all three substitutes in the last ten minutes, including a first Dr. Martens game for yet another teenager, Dean Lewis. 

Unfortunately, the game was watched by our lowest league gate of the season but those who stayed at home missed a real cherry-on-the-top finish to the match when, in the last minute, Scott Walker completed the scoring, hammering in a full blooded 30-yarder that went into the top corner.  

County line-up: P. Mountain, D. Robison, S.Benton, B. Clark, A. Thomas, M. Fowler (D. Lewis 83), M. Rose, S. Walker, J. Eckhardt, M. Paul (R. Edwards 87), S. Cowe (S. James 79). Att: 526.

SATURDAY 13th APRIL

NEWPORT COUNTY AFC 1 CRAWLEY TOWN 1

Another good team performance with the youngsters once more acquitting themselves well although, this time the three points didn’t come our way. 

The turning point of the game was the 32^nd minute penalty that saw Scott Walker shoot straight at Crawley ‘keeper Andy Little. It would have put us 2-0 up and smoothed the way forward but we were unable to build on Allan Stevenson’s opening goal and Crawley levelled just before half time. 

The Sussex side made the better start with Ian Payne and their skipper Keith Sharman (twice) going close before our latest youth team prodigy gave us the lead on 20 minutes. Darren Ryan was very much the architect, his determined run into the area enabling him to cross and Allan Stevenson met it with a firm header. 

There could have been another straight after when a Mike Fowler shot struck Martin Paul and ‘keeper Little had to scamper across to save. The penalty incident then followed as Little brought down Martin Paul, getting booked as a result. 

With the clock ticking down to the interval, Crawley broke clear through Dave Stevens and he was a little fortunate that his shot clipped Darren Robison’s boot en route to goal to make Pat Mountain’s task too difficult. 

The average age of our line up decreased even more for the second half, Lewis Sommers replacing an injured Darren Ryan and our tall youth team striker, who had scored in the youngsters' game just four hours earlier, linked up well with Allan Stevenson, the midfielder firing a chance of a second goal into the side netting. 

Crawley proved adept at “running the clock down” so much so that referee Kevin Johnson warned the already booked Little on the subject. We had a couple of late opportunities from close range headers but the efforts of Martin Paul and Billy Clark were just too high. 

County line-up: P. Mountain, D. Robison, M. Fowler, B. Clark, A. Thomas, N. Davies, A. Stevenson, S. Walker, D. Ryan (L. Sommers 46), M. Paul, S. Cowe (R. Edwards 86). Sub: D. Lewis. Att: 653 

TUESDAY 9th APRIL

MOOR GREEN 1 NEWPORT COUNTY AFC 2 

A second away win in four days and a lift up to ninth place in the Dr. Martens Premier. With even more teenagers in the squad than on Saturday and the additional absence of the injured Steve Benton, this was an excellent result with some very good football being played on a pitch that is the best in the division by a long way. 

Before last night, only Tamworth had a better home record than “Moors” but, after initial efforts from Richard Softley and Jae Martin, we took a 20^th minute lead. Steve Cowe’s corner from the right was too high for most players in the penalty area but Billy Clark met it with a powerful header. 

Pat Mountain was then in action tipping over a long range Danny Scheppel shot and was then able to smother a Nathan Lamey effort. We could have been well clear at half time but two stoppage time efforts didn’t quite find the target. Mike Fowler’s low curling shot came back off a post and ‘keeper Adam Rachel tipped over a Darren Ryan free kick. 

Teenage midfield duo Allan Stevenson and Nathan Davies, once again showing their good form of Saturday both went close early in the second half before we did extend our lead on 62 minutes. Good work down the left eventually saw Martin Paul cross for Steve Cowe to apply a cool, and clinical, near post finish. 

Moor Green threatened but Pat Mountain twice saved from John Gayle and also denied Jai Stanley but Jae Martin’s ability to cross from the left was to bring “Moors” a late consolation. The home team were down to ten men by that time, having used all three substitutes and having Richard Softley carried off. 

Martin’s stoppage time cross was pinpoint and was met by Marvin Blake, whose header was slightly deflected by Billy Clark to put it out of Pat Mountain’s reach. There were five bookings in the game, including Martin Paul and Billy Clark. 

County line-up: P. Mountain, D. Robison, M. Fowler, B. Clark, A. Thomas, N. Davies, A. Stevenson, S. Walker, D. Ryan, M. Paul, S. Cowe (R. Edwards 88)). Sub: D. Lewis, L. Sommers. Att: 324

SATURDAY 6th APRIL

ILKESTON TOWN 0 NEWPORT COUNTY AFC 1

There may have been media confusion over which defender got the vital touch, (the Ilkeston bench confirmed it to us as Chris Timons) but there was no doubt that the fourth minute own goal brought us a win and three points, our second successive league win at the New Manor Ground. 

In a game spoilt by an extremely strong wind that favoured us in the first half we should have won by a greater margin and thus avoided the one place drop to eleventh following Stafford Rangers’ goal spree at home to Tiverton. 

Scott Walker’s free kick to the far post set up the only goal, defender Steve Coates attempting to head clear only to see the ball rebound off Timons and beat keeper Saul Deeley. Timons had also put through his own goal in the game at Newport Stadium a few weeks ago so we are probably far from his favourite opposition. 

The game saw Allan Stevenson not only make his first starting appearance but help to complete a quartet of teenagers in our squad. Another of those youngsters, Nathan Davies, was alongside him in the centre of midfield and they created a very good impression, unafraid to compete and the side thus overcame the early loss of Stuart James, himself making a return to the first team after injury. 

It was a back injury, rather than the knee problem that has kept him out since mid-January, that caused his departure from a side already missing Matt Rose and the suspended Jeff Eckhardt. 

After a largely uneventful first half  - own goal apart - the game sprung to life straight after the interval as we made four excellent chances, none of them taken – or on target. Martin Paul touched a Steve Cowe cross wide, Scott Walker got the ball trapped beneath his feet as, this time, “Birdie” supplied the ammunition, Darren Ryan ballooned over the best chance of all and Martin Paul again got in on the act but fired wide when put clear. 

All that happened in an eleven minute spell and we than had a couple of anxious moments as Glen Kirkwood grazed a post and good defensive cover came to our rescue after Pat Mountain had done very well to keep out a wind-assisted long ball that almost crept in under the crossbar. 

County line-up: P. Mountain, D. Robison, S. Benton, B. Clark, A. Thomas, N. Davies, A. Stevenson, S. Walker, S. Cowe (M.Fowler 86), M. Paul, S. James (D. Ryan 19). Sub: R. Edwards. Att: 495

MONDAY 1st APRIL

NEWPORT COUNTY AFC 0 HEDNESFORD TOWN 1

It really was a case of “after the Lord Mayor’s Show” as, following the excellent win at Havant, we blotted our copybook big-time with our second defeat by the Pitmen in seven days. 

With just one change, Michael Fowler returning after injury, we should have been able to build on Saturday but played second fiddle to Hednesford for most of the game. Our only real chance of the first half came from Martin Paul but his long diagonal 20^th minute run only ended in a weak shot. 

By then, Mark Haran had volleyed wide for Hednesford and, on 24 minutes, the vital goal was scored. Slack marking allowed a cross from the left and Stuart Airdrie, unmarked at the far post, guided the ball home. Airdrie could have had a second on the stroke of half time with a tremendous 35-yard shot that cannoned off our crossbar. 

Things looked better for a while early in the second half as Jeff Eckhardt headed wide from a Darren Ryan free kick and Martin Paul mustered a long-range effort. It was “Birdie” who came closest of all to an equaliser, his 66^th minute volley, on the turn, just clipping the Hednesford crossbar. 

Jon Hallworth, standing in for work restricted Pat Mountain, was called into action four minutes later, doing very well to deny Neil Davis before the resulting corner saw Derek Rae fire wide. Our last chance of levelling came six minutes from time but, once again, an Eckhardt header, this time from a Steve Cowe cross, was wide. 

County line-up: J. Hallworth, D. Robison, S. Benton, B. Clark, A. Thomas, M. Fowlers (A. Stevenson 81), M. Rose, S. Walker (S. Cowe 63), J. Eckhardt, M. Paul, D. Ryan. Sub: S. James. Att: 722

SATURDAY 30th MARCH

HAVANT & WATERLOOVILLE 1 NEWPORT COUNTY AFC 3

A return to winning ways after a couple of away defeats as Havant, beaten only twice at home in the league this season, succumbed to two goals from Martin Paul and another from Scott Walker.  

Paul Wood, for Havant, and Jeff Eckhardt, for us, had the game’s initial chances before we went ahead on eight minutes. Darren Ryan’s through ball had the Havant defence claiming offside but Martin Paul took it on and made no mistake one-to-one with ‘keeper Paul Nicholls. 

Jeff Eckhardt then saw an on-target header cleared by a defender but, on 28 minutes, the Hawks equalised. A ball down the “inside right” channel saw Jamie O’Rourke take on Andrew Thomas, O’Rourke winning the chase and finishing well and accurately. 

We went back in front with 45 minutes on the clock although five minutes of first half injury time were to yield us a third goal as well. The 2-1 scoreline came about through a quite stupendous strike from Martin Paul. Darren Ryan’s cross was won in the air by Jeff Eckhardt and the ball dropped to “Birdie” who grabbed his second goal of the game with a tremendous left foot volley from an acute angle reminiscent of the famous Van Basten strike for Holland some years ago. 

Scott Walker, playing in a forward role, then chased a ball forward and got the vital touch ahead of Gareth Hall to send the ball over Nicholls with just enough pace to reach its target and make it 3-1. 

Scotty then had two excellent chances to add to the goal tally in the first eleven minutes of the second half. He rounded off a good three-man move by shooting wide and then should have done better when a Nicholls clearance went straight to him and he lifted the ball over the crossbar. 

Paul Wood and O’Rourke had opportunities for Havant in a chance-laden second half but the final minutes of injury time had us back in control with Martin Paul and Jeff Eckhardt both having shots blocked in the same attack and Nicholls also having to deal with a long range Darren Robison effort. 

County line-up: P. Mountain, D. Robison, S. Benton, B. Clark, A. Thomas, N. Davies (A. Stevenson 89), M. Rose, S. Walker (S. Cowe 86), J. Eckhardt, M. Paul, D. Ryan. Sub: R. Edwards. Att: 726. 

MONDAY 25th MARCH

HEDNESFORD TOWN 3 NEWPORT COUNTY AFC 2

Hednesford’s Keys Park set up may have looked the part, Football League grading and all, but the same could not be said about our performance in the first 45 minutes as we left ourselves a seemingly hopeless task although, in the end, we came mighty close to a point. 

With Nathan Davies replacing the injured Michael Fowler the only change from Saturday’s defeat at Folkestone, we allowed Hednesford far too much room and they took full advantage, finding our net three times in what was for us, a torrid first half. 

Stuart Lake gave them the lead on six minutes following a right wing cross, Andy Brownrigg rifled in a tremendous long-range effort fifteen minutes later but the real decisive strike was the one on the cusp of half time. 

Neil Davis had looked offside as he broke clear and, effectively though Pat Mountain did his part in dealing with his initial shot, we allowed Davis to regain possession and finish the job. 

Half time changes were necessary and carried out, bringing about a vast improvement in cohesion and we were to have the lion’s share of the second half though it was not until the late stages that we were able to make an impact on the scoreline. 

Eight minutes from time a Darren Ryan corner had the earlier untroubled home defence in difficulties and Martin Paul’s far post volley high onto the net gave us a chance. The second goal again came from Darren Ryan’s instigation, a high ball into the box being met by a peach of a header from Jeff Eckhardt. 

Six minutes of stoppage time followed during which home ‘keeper Mark Gayle saved from Martin Paul and then, somehow, a defender produced a last ditch header to foil a speculative effort from Darren Robison. 

County line-up: P. Mountain, D. Robison, S. Benton, B. Clark, A. Thomas, N. Davies, M. Rose, S. Walker (D.Ryan 46), J. Eckhardt, M. Paul, S. Cowe (R. Plant 46). Subs: R. Edwards. Att: 602.

SATURDAY 23rd MARCH

FOLKESTONE INVICTA 3 NEWPORT COUNTY AFC 1

A match-defining sixty seconds saw that our visit to the Garden of England was destined to fall on stony ground as Jeff Eckhardt’s sending off was immediately followed by Matt Rose’s initial lead goal being cancelled out. 

Our tentative start had Folkestone into their stride early on with Nicky Dent and James Dryden going close but we established the lead on 24 minutes. The Cheriton Road pitch was full of bumps and divots but, ironically, worked to our advantage as Mike Fowler’s slightly miss-hit pass went to “Rosey” who made space to score with a powerful left foot shot that hit the top corner of the net at quite a pace. 

Soon after came the two incidents that were to effectively decide the game. An off the ball incident involving Jeff Eckhardt and Folkestone’s Martin Chandler ended with a red card for Jeff and Chandler then took full advantage by firing in what could have been an intended cross but was goal-bound when it hit Billy Clark and went in. 

A Matt Rose run early in the second half opened the way for Scott Walker but the shot was wide and we then lost Mike Fowler to injury, Nathan Davies replacing him. Nevertheless, chances came our way with Andrew Thomas heading over from a Steve Cowe corner and Steve then having a shot of his own blocked by the home ‘keeper. 

Despite the first half setbacks, we still looked capable of winning the game, let alone just drawing but the second Folkestone goal heralded the end of our challenge. 

That came on 72 minutes when a cross from the right saw the Folkestone attack, increased in numbers with their substitutions, attack the ball and James Dryden got the all-important headed touch. The Folkestone win was really made flattering for them by a late penalty, conceded by Darren Robison that was well converted by Nicky Dent. 

County line-up: P. Mountain, D. Robison , S. Benton, B. Clark, A. Thomas, M. Fowler (N. Davies 55), M. Rose, S. Walker, J. Eckhardt, M. Paul, S. Cowe. Subs: D. Ryan, R. Edwards. Att: 434.

22nd MARCH 2002  PRESS RELEASE 

NEWPORT COUNTY AFC HAVE ANNOUNCED THAT JASON PERRY DOES NOT FIGURE IN THE FUTURE PLANS FOR THE CLUB.

THE CLUB ARE NOW IN THE PROCESS OF PLANNING NEXT SEASON AND WILL BE CIRCULARISING JASON’S AVAILABILITY TO OTHER CLUBS. 

MANAGER TIM HARRIS ADDED: “ IT IS DISAPPOINTING THAT THINGS HAVE NOT WORKED OUT, BUT WE MUST MOVE FORWARD AND WE SINCERELY WISH JASON ALL THE BEST IN WHICHEVER CAREER PATH HE DECIDES TO TAKE”.

TUESDAY 19th MARCH

CAMBRIDGE CITY 1 NEWPORT COUNTY AFC 2

We bounced back in fine style, not only from Saturday’s defeat by Worcester but from going behind after just 25 seconds and missing another penalty!                  The game’s first  attack  saw  Matt Beale finish the move with a low shot that was

probably missed by a few latecomers to Cambridge’s Milton Road ground. Some may even have missed the third minute penalty faux pas that saw Darren Robison emulate Darren Ryan as spot kick culprit. 

“Robo” was the man fouled but his attempt was the start of three shooting chances from the situation as goalkeeper Matt Nurse beat out his first shot, parried “Robo’s” follow up and then got in the way of Steve Cowe’s final shot. 

Steve then shot wide on 17 minutes, Jeff Eckhardt, playing up front with Matt Rose, later headed over and a good four man move from the back ended with Scott Walker shooting at ‘keeper Nurse. 

Steve Cowe had a great chance on 48 minutes but although put clear, he allowed Nurse to make a comfortable save. However, we didn’t have long to wait for the equaliser and, remarkably, it came from the penalty spot! Jeff Eckhardt was the man fouled and Scott Walker took responsibility to fire past Nurse. 

“Robo” then flashed a fierce low shot just wide and Nathan Davies had another effort booted off the Cambridge line by a home defender. Scott Walker was a fair bit off target with an aerial volley but it was left to Matt Rose to clinch the points with a fine goal. Matty brought the ball forward, played an excellent, and effective, 1-2 with Darren Ryan and then fired home to win the three points and a return to the Premier Division top ten. 

The away games continue with Folkestone, Hednesford and Havant & Waterlooville all on the travel itinerary in the next eleven days. 

County line-up: P. Mountain, D. Robison , S. Benton, B. Clark, A. Thomas, N. Davies, M. Rose, S. Walker, J. Eckhardt, M. Fowler (D. Ryan 82), S. Cowe. Subs: R. Edwards, R. Jones. Att: 477.

HARTRIDGE TEAM REACH FINAL 

Hartridge School reached the final of the English National Schools competition, defeating New Barnet High School at Newport Stadium on Tuesday afternoon. Two goals from Raith Plant and another from Lee Jones won the game and the team will now meet a team from either Liverpool or Newcastle in the final. 

SATURDAY 16th MARCH

NEWPORT COUNTY AFC 0 WORCESTER CITY 2 

Our run of Dr. Martens “three pointers” came to an end on Saturday with Worcester defeating us at home for the second successive season. With Martin Paul already injured and unable to play, it certainly didn’t help matters when Lee Phillips strained a hamstring just ten minutes into the match. 

We were under a fair bit of pressure in those early stages, despite Nathan Davies striking the first shot of the game, and Pat Mountain was pretty busy early on. When we got more into our stride and created chances, we failed to hit the target and Danny McDonnell, later to distinguish himself, had a leisurely first half. Raith Plant, on for Lee Phillips, and Steve Cowe both fired over the crossbar whilst the Worcester efforts, notably from full back Nathan Jukes, invariably needed Pat’s attention. 

The third quarter of the game proved the most important and caused one or two points of discussion, to say the least. We went behind just four minutes after the break when left back Jukes crossed and Jeff Eckhardt, needing to get in an interception but looking to head out for a corner, only managed to steer the ball past Pat Mountain. 

It was the first goal that Pat had conceded in 460 minutes and, 13 minutes later it was 2-0. Worcester striker Adam Webster may have been given too much room on the left but his finish was an absolute classic - a swerving shot into the far corner that left Pat a mere spectator. 

Between those goals, however, came the most contentious incident of the match when Darren Ryan was clearly brought down as he shaped to cross from the by-line and, to everyone’s consternation, referee Ralph Davies waved play on. We did, however, have a spot kick opportunity on 70 minutes, Darren Ryan again the player fouled but Darren saw McDonnell dive full length to grab the shot. 

Worcester were reasonably effective in killing off the match although a succession of corners did give them an anxious time with Jeff Eckhardt just a bit too high with a shot and McDonnell having to react very well indeed to tip over a Billy Clark header. 

New signing from Woking, Michael Fowler, played the last half hour and made a good impression and, with a number of injuries hitting the squad, he looks likely to start at Cambridge on Tuesday night. 

County line-up: P. Mountain, D. Robison (M. Fowler 62), S. Benton, B. Clark, J. Eckhardt, N. Davies, M. Rose, S. Walker, L. Phillips (R. Plant 11), D. Ryan, S. Cowe. Att: 752.

THURSDAY 14th MARCH

TREDEGAR TOWN 0 NEWPORT COUNTY AFC 1

We progressed through to the quarter-finals of the Gwent Senior Cup, a first half goal settling the game which was played, certainly in the second half, amongst a Christmas Card scene. 

Both teams deserved immense credit for their efforts in a match that was played in wintry conditions with a strong swirling wind, rain, sleet and finally snow making the game a real test of endeavour and character. 

The all-important goal came early in the game with a 16^th minute free kick from Darren Ryan being headed home by Andrew Thomas, although Kris Morris should have kept it out, the ball appearing to go through the Tredegar keeper’s grasp. 

Our side included six of our successful youth team but it was Pat Mountain who celebrated most, earning a fourth successive clean sheet, having to make a first half save from Tredegar’s Shane Davies and being forced to scramble after a Guy Helman defensive header caused a problem just before half time. 

The second half saw Lewis Sommers have a couple of chances but Morris had recovered his form by then, making two good stops in as many minutes. He also dealt capably with a Darren Ryan free kick fifteen minutes from the end by which time, given the conditions, the match was becoming a lottery. 

Our best second half chance came soon after when Darren Ryan's mazy run ended with Richard French having a shot blocked by a defender and the follow up seeing substitute Stuart Pearce force a save from Morris. 

County line-up: P. Mountain, L. Jones (L. Stone 67), R. Souter (M. Evans 30), G. Helman, A. Thomas, R. French, D. Lewis, R. Jones, R. Edwards (S. Pearce 63), L. Sommers, D. Ryan. Subs: G. Jones, C. Rogers.

CITY STATUS REWARD 

Following the excellent news of Newport being awarded City status, it has been decided that, as a recognition of the decision, all juniors that are accompanied by an adult to Saturday’s game with Worcester City (3.00) will be admitted free of charge. 

NEW PLAYER IN SQUAD FOR SATURDAY’S VISIT OF WORCESTER CITY 

Former Crystal Palace and Woking midfielder Michael Fowler has been signed from the Conference club and goes into the squad for the Worcester game. The Barry-born 20 year old is a former Welsh under 18 international and comes highly recommended.

FRIDAY 8th MARCH

YOUTH TEAM PLAYERS IN WELSH SCHOOLS DRAW WITH ENGLAND

Three of our Hartridge Academy lads - Rhys Jones (who skippered the side) his brother Gethin and Guy Helman - all played the full 90 minutes as the last kick of the game (a thunderous strike from Bangor based Owain Jones) brought the Welsh Schools Under 18's an equaliser to draw their Centenary Shield International with England at Newport Stadium.

England had led through a 21st minute Alex Harrison goal. There were two other Gwent representatives in the team - Tredegar Comprehensive School's Mark Pritchard and Luke Jones, from Chepstow Comprehensive.

TUESDAY 5th MARCH

NEWPORT IOW 0 NEWPORT COUNTY AFC 4

A third successive win, and third consecutive clean sheet at the end of a game that could have seen us win by the proverbial cricket score. As with the home match against the Islanders just over six weeks ago, we put together a hatful of chances, three gilt-edged ones coming our way in the first quarter of an hour alone. 

With Jason Perry replacing the injured Steve Benton the only change in the starting line up and youngster Allan Stevenson earning a place on the bench for the first time, that hectic start saw a ninth minute Martin Paul shot well saved by Colin Matthews, Jeff Eckhardt blast over and Lee Phillips shoot narrowly wide. 

Matt Rose and Jeff Eckhardt then added to the list of chances not taken but we lost Matt to a hip injury that needed stitches, the legacy of an early challenge that went unpunished. Isle of Wight’s only first half chance was a David Wakefield volley that went over five minutes before half time and they were a goal down just two minutes after the break. 

Lee Phillips’ run and shot set it up, Matthews parrying the ball but it bounced up onto the bar and Scott Walker finished it off. A delightful move involving a Darren Ryan run and a Lee Phillips back-heel then ended with Martin Paul shooting over and the relentless pressure continued as Scott Walker hit a post and Matthews tipped over another Martin Paul effort. 

What appeared to be a hamstring strain caused Jeff Eckhardt to be substituted on 57 minutes but the blow was softened by a second goal five minutes later as Lee Phillips opened his account for us, his striker’s instinct enabling him to take his chance with clinical effect. 

Still more chances came our way with Matthews saving from Darren Ryan and Scott Walker and Martin Paul hitting a post in the latest of a number of one-to-one situations with the Islanders goalkeeper before, with 18 minute remaining, a rare home attack was countered and a lengthy run by Scott Walker ended with an unstoppable shot for number three. 

The Islanders raised a couple of shots from Danny Gibbons and Ben Thomson whilst we lost Martin Paul and Lee Phillips late on to complete a quartet of injuries in the game.. Only Martin Paul’s looks to be likely to threaten his availability for the Worcester game on Saturday week and any depression at the casualty list was dispelled when, in stoppage time, Darren Ryan broke through the Islanders back line, rounded Matthews and found the net for number four. 

County line-up: P. Mountain, D. Robison, J. Perry, B. Clark, J. Eckhardt (A. Thomas 57), N. Davies,  M. Rose, (D. Ryan 36), S. Walker, L. Phillips (A. Stevenson 87), M. Paul, S. Cowe. Att: 443.

SATURDAY 2nd MARCH

NEWPORT COUNTY AFC 3 ILKESTON TOWN 0 

The game that not only brought up our 900^th League goal, courtesy of Steve Cowe’s tremendous 27^th minute shot, but also marked the debut of impressive on-loan striker Lee Phillips.

Lee, who joined us from Weymouth at the beginning of the week, didn’t find the net but helped to create lots of space to suggest that his partnership with Martin Paul could be very productive. 

Nevertheless, despite the scoreline it was far from one-way traffic with Pat Mountain having to make plenty of saves, one as early as the 7^th minute. After that tip round a post from a Matt McKenzie shot, we took advantage with Nathan Davies playing the ball in to Matt Rose who, having waited for it to come down to a comfortable height, hammered his shot into the net. 

Pat then had to make a couple of other saves but Steve Cowe then made it 2-0. At first seemingly looking to cross conventionally from the right edge of the Ilkeston penalty area, he switched the ball to his left foot and arrowed his shot into the opposite far corner. 

The third goal, in first half stoppage time was an own goal. A good left wing move involving Scott Walker, Steve Cowe and Martin Paul ended with “Birdie’s” low cross being sliced into his own net by defender Chris Timmons. 

Scotty then volleyed just over at the start of the second half which also saw Glenn Kirkwood miss two chances for Ilkeston before a Billy Clark header from Scott Walker’s corner thumped against the crossbar, then left back Gary Middleton’s head and bounced to safety. 

Immediately afterwards, a penalty claim was turned down by referee Tim Curtis. Ilkeston goalkeeper Joel Armstrong hauled Martin Paul off the ball almost on the goal line but an earlier aerial challenge on Armstrong, which looked from the press box to be perfectly o.k. was ruled a foul. 

Ilkeston finished with a flourish but missed three good shooting opportunities in the last few minutes. Both substitutions came through injury and we await the outcome with Nathan and “Benno” with regard to Tuesday’s trip to the Isle of Wight. 

County line-up: P. Mountain, D. Robison, S. Benton (J. Perry 58) , B. Clark, J. Eckhardt, N. Davies (D. Ryan 74), M. Rose, S. Walker, L. Phillips, M. Paul, S. Cowe. Subs: A. Thomas. Att: 610

 WEDNESDAY 26TH FEBRUARY

A double blank with both the Tredegar Gwent Senior Cup quarter final and the WelshYouth Cup game with Cardiff City being called off due to heavy rain waterlogging the pitches. The Tredegar game was postponed during Tuesday afternoon and is currently awaiting confirmation of a revised date. The Youth game at Leckwith Stadium was also called off the afternoon before its scheduled 11am Thursday start. It is hoped that the match will go ahead on 13th or 14th March but,again, confirmation of date and venue is awaited.

MONDAY 24th  FEBRUARY

LEE LINKS UP

TUESDAY 19th FEBRUARY

STAFFORD RANGERS 2 NEWPORT COUNTY AFC 1

Conditions were more suited to mud wrestling than football at Marston Road as the heavy rain that fell from late afternoon onwards, and came down incessantly throughout the game, made the match almost farcical to watch – and play in. 

The second half in particular saw both sides have to battle their way through the mud and surface water and it was little wonder that the only worthwhile chances were created in the first forty-five minutes. The main exception was a last minute chance for Jeff Eckhardt to level the scores but Stafford ‘keeper Ryan Price saved his shot. 

Price had been the first of the goalkeepers to pick the ball out of the net, after Matt Rose had given us an 11^th minute lead. Scott Walker started the move, finding Martin Paul, whose cross from the left was met early and confidently for “Rosey’s” sixth goal of the season. 

Justin Richards had already gone close and Martin Paul then headed a Steve Cowe free kick wide before the conditions laid their first hand on the game on 20 minutes. A long Stafford clearance down field stuck in the mud and water just inside our penalty area, Pat Mountain was then committed to go for the ball but Paul Kiely rounded him to put the scores level. 

We went near to restoring our lead through Martin Paul and Jeff Eckhardt but Stafford went in front five minutes before half time. Billy Clark powerfully headed the ball clear but Kiely took a “pot-shot” from just outside the area, the ball flying into the far corner of our net. 

We responded with long-range efforts of our own from Martin Paul and Scott Walker but neither had Kiely’s accuracy and with the conditions dictating events to an even greater degree in the second half, those were the last sensible chances of the game. 

County line-up: P. Mountain, S. Walker, S. Benton , B. Clark, J. Eckhardt, N. Davies, M. Rose, D. Ryan (D. Robison 72), J. Richards (R.Souter 79), M.Paul, S. Cowe. Subs: R. Edwards. Att: 502.

SATURDAY 16th FEBRUARY

NEWPORT COUNTY AFC 1 KETTERING TOWN 2

What is generally considered to be the best game of the season so far at Newport Stadium, we produced one of our better displays but, as a result of not taking chances during our best spell of the game, were not rewarded at all for our efforts. 

Whilst Andrew Thomas was still out, Billy Clark passed a fitness test and it was he who replaced the suspended Jeff Eckhardt. 

Kettering looked by far the best team we have played this season but, even though they took an early lead, we were never fazed by the challenge. Richard Butcher’s close range finish after Pat Mountain’s save at the feet of Brad Piercewright could have set Kettering well on their way but, even though the experienced Dale Watkins was just wide with a 22^nd minute glancing header, we came back to put together the best part of half a dozen chances before the break. 

The last of these saw Scott Walker’s 30 yard effort get a deflection en route to goal for the equaliser but Kettering goalkeeper Ian Bowling had already been a busy man. He had needed to deal with a Nathan Davies shot, two attempts by Martin Paul and gone full length to stop a Darren Ryan free kick. 

Kettering, to be fair, had Niall Inman strike our crossbar just before Scotty’s goal but it was a similar spell of action at either end in the second half that settled the destination of the points. Full back Wayne Diuk fired in the winner on 70 minutes having, just two minutes earlier, seen Darren Ryan have a goal disallowed for offside when he followed in a Martin Paul shot that was too hot for Bowling. 

We should have had the win wrapped up by then with another Darren Ryan set piece causing problems, Justin Richards failing to convert enough chances for a hat trick and Steve Cowe’s 57^th minute shot on the turn needing Bowling to again demonstrate his agility by tipping it round a post. 

Other than the very good football on offer from both sides, the new terracing being installed both behind the Spytty Road end and opposite the Grandstand also proved an encouraging sight and an interesting talking point, having not been visible at our previous home game that was all of four weeks ago. 

The attention now turns to the trip to Stafford Rangers on Tuesday, that being followed by the journey to Crawley Town next Saturday. 

County line-up: P. Mountain, S. Walker, S. Benton , B. Clark, J. Perry, N. Davies, M. Rose (D. Robison 81), D. Ryan, J. Richards, M.Paul (L.Somers 81), S. Cowe. Subs: R. Souter. Att: 722

MONDAY 11th FEBRUARY

The relentless heavy rain, that has fallen continuously since early on Sunday afternoon, has put paid to the home game with Havant & Waterlooville this evening. Parts of the Stadium pitch were underwater at 9am with the heavy rain still falling - and forecast to continue for the rest of the day. The match, initially postponed on 2nd February for the same reason, is now likely to be played late in the season and we will bring you the revised date immediately it is confirmed.

SATURDAY 9th FEBRUARY

HINCKLEY UNITED 0 NEWPORT COUNTY AFC 2

That, for us recently, rare event of a Saturday game provided a good performance and accompanying result with two excellently-constructed goals from Scott Walker and Matt Rose to boost the scoring output from midfield. 

Hampered by injuries to Billy Clark and Andrew Thomas, the rearguard was re-organised and rewarded with a clean sheet as we avenged Hinckley’s November win at the Stadium by the same score. The strong wind, accompanied by heavy rain in the second half, was a major factor and we played with that advantage in the first half. 

Hinckley had chances in the first five minutes, being unable to connect with crosses into our penalty area but our 20^th minute goal settled us down and dictated the flow of the game in the first half. It was probably one of the best-engineered goals we have scored this season, the move being started by Nathan Davies’ winning of the ball deep in our own half. 

His accurate ball wide to Steve Cowe, and the cross that followed, set up Justin Richards whose header came back off a post but Scotty Walker, making a tremendous amount of ground, provided the final touch to the rebound. 

Other than Jamie Lenton’s chance for Hinckley a minute before the break, we had control in the first half with Darren Ryan, Justin Richards, Martin Paul, Steve Cowe and Jeff Eckhardt all causing problems with goal attempts. 

Lenton had a couple of opportunities in the first five minutes of the second half, including a volley that needed what was one of only two noteworthy responses that Pat Mountain had to make throughout the game. Because of the windy conditions, we spent far more time in and around our penalty area in the second half but Hinckley failed to find any way through with Jason Perry fitting in well between Steve Benton and Jeff Eckhardt. 

Our attacks could have brought second half reward before Matt Rose’s stoppage time goal but Martin Paul found the side netting and Steve Cowe chipped over.  It was Justin Richards who produced the neatest of through passes that saw Matty have the confidence to better the efforts of Chris Taylor in the Hinckley goal for the final 2-0 scoreline. 

County line-up: P. Mountain, J. Perry, S. Benton , S. Walker, J. Eckhardt, N. Davies, M. Rose, D. Ryan (D. Robison 72), J. Richards, M.Paul, S. Cowe. Subs: L. Stanton, L. Sommers. Att: 417.

MONDAY 4th FEBRUARY

The Havant & Waterlooville game, postponed on Saturday, has been quickly re-arranged. It will now be played on Monday next, 11th February with the usual kick off time at the Stadium of 7.45 pm. Let's hope the rain stops before then!!

SATURDAY 2nd FEBRUARY

The 8.30 am pitch inspection at the Stadium revealed a very heavily waterlogged pitch and our game with Havant & Waterlooville has been postponed. No new date for the game has yet been arranged. We are next in action away to Hinckley United next Saturday 9th February.

FRIDAY 1st FEBRUARY

SATURDAY'S HOME GAME WITH HAVANT & WATERLOOVILLE IN DOUBT

The continual heavy rain that has been present for most of the week saw the Newport Stadium pitch have several small flooded areas when viewed at lunchtime. In view of the prevailing weather, arrangements have been made for a pitch inspection to be carried out at 8.30 am on Saturday to enable a decision to be made before the Havant & Waterlooville squad commence their journey.

WEDNESDAY 30th  JANUARY

TIVERTON TOWN 2 NEWPORT COUNTY AFC 0 

Two late goals proved our downfall at Ladysmead as the rain relented to allow this game, originally postponed on New Year’s Day, to go ahead - although a heavy surface made life difficult for both sides, not helped by another heavy rainstorm in the latter stages. 

With Justin Richards making his debut, that was our only change from the Isle of Wight home game but it was Tiverton who made the best first half chances. Steve Winter and Steve Ovens both fired wide in the opening exchanges and, after Martin Paul had seen a low cross from the by-line hacked away to safety, Pat Mountain had to make a brave save at the feet of Phil Everett. 

Our new loan signing saw a shot deflected for a corner on 18 minutes but Pat then made three superb saves in as many minutes to keep Tiverton at bay. No goals at the interval and, soon after the break, a good through ball by Darren Ryan opened things up for Martin Paul but ‘keeper Edwards saved at his feet. 

Tiverton got the ball into our net on 58 minutes but an offside decision cut short Everett’s celebrations. After each side had made double substitutions, Alfie Carter had an excellent run and shot which was just off target. 

The all-important first goal went to Tiverton just six minutes from time. Not for the first time, they broke well and strongly downfield and substitute Anthony Lynch finished the move off from close range. 

We went forward looking for an equaliser, Nathan Davies replaced groin injury victim Billy Clark, Jason Perry became our second booking (Jeff Eckhardt was the first) and Tiverton broke away to clinch it with a Steve Ovens shot. 

County line-up: P. Mountain, A. Thomas, S. Benton , B. Clark (N. Davies 87), J. Eckhardt, M. Rose, J. Perry, D. Ryan (A. Carter 71), J. Richards (L.Sommers 71), M.Paul, S. Cowe. Att: 642.

JUSTIN ARRIVES ON LOAN -

BUT WILL THE HEDNESFORD'S GAME BE ON ?

Following the serious injury to Garry Shephard, manager Tim Harris has secured the services of Bristol Rovers striker Justin Richards on loan. 21 year old Justin, born in Sandwell in the West Midlands, was originally with West Bromwich Albion before moving to the Memorial Ground last season, making seven appearances for Rovers.

Meanwhile, the wet weather may cause problems with Saturday's game. Hednesford advise us that their pitch was very heavy for last week's match with Worcester and the heavy rain that has fallen, and is expected to fall on Friday, could put a question  mark against the match. Keep in touch with the Hotline for any further update on Saturday morning.

GARRY SHEPHARD MISSING FOR REST OF SEASON

The injury that caused Garry Shephard to go to hospital on Saturday is worse than feared. His shoulder injury will require surgery, the shoulder having to be pinned and the whole length of his absence looks likely to be all of five months. The injury occurred twelve minutes from time in our 0-0 draw with Newport IOW

OUTSTANDING LEAGUE MATCHES NOW BOTH REARRANGED

Both the home match with Folkestone Invicta and the away game at Cambridge have now been re-arranged. We travel to Cambridge on Tuesday 19th March and Folkestone's visit to Newport Stadium will be on Monday April 15th. The Cambridge game was postponed on January 5th because of a frozen pitch whilst the Folkestone game had to be changed because of our F A Umbro Trophy tie at Hampton and Richmond.

SATURDAY 19th JANUARY

NEWPORT COUNTY AFC 0 NEWPORT IOW 0 

Despite dropping two of the three points, we climb one place in the Premier Division table – and, with Crawley losing at home, are a point closer to the top. The game was even more costly in another way with a serious shoulder injury to Garry Shephard looking likely to keep him out for a long time. 

The story of the match involved the five-star goalkeeping performance of Isle of Wight’s Colin Matthews, a tall, broad, and imposing figure who needed to make half a dozen top quality saves to keep his side in the match. 

The game was almost total one-way traffic with the visitors having few chances as we rattled up no end of scoring opportunities. We attacked from the “off” and Matthews' first major contribution was to just reach Darren Ryan’s 15^th minute free kick as it arrowed towards the top corner. 

Stout defending by the Isle of Wight back four saw “Shep” and Martin Paul foiled and Matthews then made two more saves in as many minutes at the end of the first half. He first foiled a Steve Cowe shot and then got the better of Darren Ryan in a 1:1 confrontation. 

It was Pat Mountain’s turn to produce heroics soon after half time - all the more creditable as he was rarely needed. He made a breathtaking diving save from a full-blooded volley from Chris Collins but a minute later the action was back at the other end with Darren Ryan’s shot a foot wide. 

Matthews then saved from Martin Paul before a clumsy tackle by Dave Wilson on Garry Shephard saw our striker fall awkwardly, “Shep” eventually leaving the field in agony. Wilson was booked, one of two yellow cards for the Islanders, but it was their man Matthews that continued to shine. 

A Steve Cowe free kick saw Jeff Eckhardt have what seemed a perfect header tipped over by the ‘keeper and then Martin Paul, fed very well by teenage sub Lewis Sommers, again tested Matthews to the full. 

The early news from the hospital on Garry Shephard on Saturday evening revolved around a possible break but even if that is not the case, “Shep” could still be out of action for the remainder of the season. 

County line-up: P. Mountain, A. Thomas, S. Benton , B. Clark, J. Eckhardt, M. Rose, J. Perry, D. Ryan, M.Paul 46, G. Shephard (L.Sommers 78), S. Cowe. Sub, N. Davies, A. Carter. Att:651.

TUESDAY 15th JANUARY

NEWPORT COUNTY AFC 0 SWANSEA CITY 3

No semi final place for us in the F A W Premier Cup as we suffered a second cup defeat in three days with, unfortunately, not the best of first half displays to set before the live BBC Two Wales television audience. 

Swansea had us under pressure for virtually all the first 45 minutes with a 29^th minute  Jeff Eckhardt  shot and  unsuccessful  attempts  at contact on crosses by

Garry Shephard and Alfie Carter our only opportunities.  The Swans pressure paid off with two goals in the last seven minutes of the half.

Billy Clark’s challenge on Steve Watkin conceded a penalty that Watkin drove powerfully, low and hard, to Pat Mountain’s left. John Williams increased the Swans lead, put clear by an accurate through ball and his shot giving Pat no chance. 

We brought on Martin Paul for the injured Scott Walker at the restart but he should have made better of a chance on 54 minutes that Roger Freestone saved. It was the first of a trio of scoring opportunities in as many minutes with full back Michael Howard than heading a Billy Clark header off his goal-line followed by Freestone going full length to deny another of Billy’s aerial efforts. 

Swansea took full retribution when another slide rule pass this time put Jonathan Coates away and, like Williams earlier, his finishing was faultless. We almost grabbed a goal eleven minutes from time with Andrew Thomas accurate cross from the right seeing “Shep” glance a header inches wide with Freestone a spectator. 

County line-up: P. Mountain, A. Thomas, S. Benton , B. Clark, J. Eckhardt, N. Davies, J. Perry,S. Walker (M.Paul 46), S. Cowe, G. Shephard (L.Sommers 82), A. Carter. Sub, R. Edwards, M. Rose, L. Stanton. Att:848.

SATURDAY 12th JANUARY

HAMPTON & RICHMOND BOROUGH 2 NEWPORT COUNTY AFC 0

This was our first defeat in nearly seven weeks, spanning nine games, with the inability to create enough space in the opposition area being our downfall. 

The first minute of the game saw Matt Flitter become the first of six bookings in the match, the other three of Hampton’s being sustained in one second half incident.

A classic Darren Ryan free kick on seven minutes was saved by goalkeeper Stuart Mackenzie at the foot of a post and he then stopped an Andrew Thomas shot and another effort from Garry Shephard. 

Pat Mountain was also called on in the first half, including one save at the feet of Darren Deegan but our best chance came when a well floated Darren Ryan free kick was headed barely a foot wide by Billy Clark. 

Nathan Davies’ cross on the stroke of half time saw both “Shep” and Steve Cowe have shots blocked but the game turned three minutes after half time with the home side taking the lead. 

A right wing corner was the ammunition and central defender Flitter made up for his early yellow card to fire home. We made like for like changes on each flank on 61 minutes, quickly followed by Martin Paul’s introduction five minutes later. 

A Scott Walker corner saw Billy Clark shoot low, the effort coming back off Mackenzie but, agonisingly, not in the direction of the oncoming amber shirts. Martin Paul was then a foot high with a 20-yarder and then pressurised Mackenzie into holding onto the ball for more than the regulation six seconds. 

The row that ensued saw three Hampton players booked but also saw Scott Walker’s shot from the short indirect free kick go over. A foul on “Birdie” by full back Steve Omonua looked a good penalty but it was turned down. Jeff Eckhardt added more presence to the front line late on but Hampton clinched the win in the 91^st minute with Kesie Ide finishing off a swift counter attack. 

County line-up: P. Mountain, A. Thomas, S. Benton , B. Clark, J. Eckhardt, N. Davies, M. Rose ,D. Ryan (S,Walker 61), S. Cowe  (M. Paul 66), G. Shephard, R.Edwards (S.James 61). Sub: J. Perry, L. Sommers. Att:505.

SWANSEA TICKETS SALES TIMES - FAW PREMIER CUP QUARTER FINAL 

KICK OFF TIME - 6.55 PM - AND A CHANCE TO GO TO THE WORLD CUP

TICKETS FOR THE SWANSEA MATCH WILL BE ON SALE AT THE STADIUM ON MONDAY BETWEEN 10AM AND 8PM. NO TICKET SALES ARE POSSIBLE ON THE DAY. SEASON TICKETS ARE NOT VALID FOR THE GAME BUT THOSE SEASON TICKET HOLDERS WHO HAVE NOT YET DONE SO CAN STILL CLAIM THEIR SEAT ON MONDAY.

SUPPORTERS WHO ARE INSIDE THE STADIUM BY 6.15 PM WILL BE ENTERED IN A DRAW TO GIVE THEM THE CHANCE OF TAKING PART IN A PRE MATCH COMPETITION, ORGANISED BY THE FAW PREMIER CUP BOARD, THAT COULD LEAD TO ONE OF THEM WINNING A HOLIDAY TO THE WORLD CUP NEXT YEAR.

TUESDAY 8th JANUARY

RHYL 1 NEWPORT COUNTY AFC 2

We clinched top spot in the group with an excellent win at Belle Vue with our predominantly youthful line up proving more than capable of matching the opposition. Jason Perry took charge of the midfield and guided the young talent around him. 

Goalkeeper Gareth Wesson, 21, who used to be a member of our youth team and now plays for Newport YMCA after a spell at Plymouth Argyle, made a couple of good first half saves before Lewis Sommers latched on to a through ball and lobbed home ‘keeper Jason Jones just before the break. 

Alfie Carter doubled the lead on 50 minutes turning well in the opposition area to convert Wayne Morley’s cross. Rhyl than had a couple of chances but the only real impression they made was 19 minutes from time when Gareth Wilson hit a shot that was partly deflected past Wesson. 

Lewis Sommers had an amazing miss six minutes after the home side pulled that goal back, being gifted the ball by Rhyl ‘keeper Jason Jones, rounding him and than somehow contriving to shoot wide. 

The meagre crowd figure probably reflected the fact that qualification had already been decided but there were some real individual and team performance plusses to make the long journey home more enjoyable. 

County line-up: G. Wesson, G. Helman, S. Walker, L. Stanton, A. Thomas (capt), J. Dupres, J. Perry, R. Jones (D. Lewis 46 (R. French 67)), L. Sommers, A. Carter, W. Morley. 

Subs: L. Jones, M. Currie.     Att: 93.

SWANSEA CITY AT HOME    -    FAW PREMIER CUP QUARTER - FINAL

NEWPORT STADIUM    -    TUESDAY 15^TH JANUARY K.O. 6.55 PM 

TICKET PRICES ARE –

MAIN GRANDSTAND – ADULTS £8, JUNIORS/OAP £5.

TEMPORARY STAND (UNRESERVED) ADULTS £7, JUNIORS/OAP £4 

THE TICKETS, WHICH WILL GO ON SALE FROM TUESDAY 8^TH JANUARY AT 10AM,

WILL INCLUDE 200 FAMILY TICKETS –

EACH ALLOWING 1 ADULT AND 2 CHILDREN 

TO ATTEND THE GAME FOR A TOTAL OF £10.

·       THE MATCH WILL BE ALL-TICKET WITH THE CROWD CAPACITY BEING LIMITED TO A STRICT MAXIMUM OF 2,000 SPECTATORS. ALL SPECTATORS WILL BE SEATED IN EITHER THE MAIN STAND OR THE TEMPORARY STAND. 

·       NO TICKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE ON THE DAY OF THE MATCH 

TIVERTON AWAY IS OFF

Our match at Tiverton on New Year’s Day was called off at around 4.30 pm on Monday as a result of a very badly frozen pitch. Our next match is away at Cambridge City on Saturday – kick off 3.00pm

SATURDAY 29th DECEMBER

NEWPORT COUNTY AFC 2 TAMWORTH 1

Another advancement up the Premier Division table, albeit one place, after defeating a Tamworth side that, prior to the Christmas period, were strong contenders for the title. Our opponents will point to the loss of goalkeeper Darren Acton (injured during the warm-up) as mitigation for their defeat but, had we tested his stand-in Darren Grocutt a little more in the early stages, our win could have been clear cut. 

Whilst Tamworth got their goal in injury time, they had some good opportunities during the game but both Billy Clark and Jeff Eckhardt gave sterling performances at the back with Pat Mountain complimenting them with his agility, particularly in the last few minutes when the Lambs threw everything forward. 

At the other end of the pitch the plaudits went to two-goal Garry Shephard who took his League tally to seven for the season. Alfie Carter was involved in both of them, his pass in the last attack of the first half seeing “Shep” able to outwit opposing defenders and find the room to put in an unstoppable shot from some twelve yards. 

Alfie was one of two players, Nathan Davies was the other, to have shots blocked in the build up to the second goal on 70 minutes. Nathan’s effort got a deflection and Grocutt fumbled it at the base of his right hand post. “Shep” showed a classic striker’s instinct to reach the ball and guide it in from a narrow angle. 

Having seen Tamworth’s pre-match goalkeeping problem, we thought that the same had happened to Pat Mountain in the second half. Happily, Pat was able to recover but we did lose two players through injury during the game. Darren Ryan and Steve Cowe both needed to be substituted and we must now await the outcome of medical checks the other side of the weekend. 

Tamworth’s late pressure finally brought them that late reward through Rob Gould’s shot after a rebound but the three points were ours and we now face an interesting away game at in-form Tiverton on New Year’s Day (3.00) 

County line-up: P. Mountain, A. Thomas, S. Benton , B. Clark, J. Eckhardt, N. Davies, M. Rose, D. Ryan (R. Edwards 26), S. Cowe  (M. Paul 63), G. Shephard, A. Carter. Sub: S. James     Att: 883

BOXING DAY

NEWPORT COUNTY AFC 3 MERTHYR TYDFIL 0

We put the disappointment of last Saturday’s postponement behind us to claim the three points from our local derby with the Martyrs but the match was never anything like the contests we have previously had with our near-neighbours. 

A total of five bookings may be par for the course between old rivals but all the yellow cards went to Merthyr players and we were able to win the game without extending ourselves. It started with Alfie Carter’s first goal for us in the 21^st minute. Good work by Rhys Edwards set up Garry Shephard to provide the chance, Rhys having a good game in only his sixth start in all matches. 

The lead was doubled nine minutes after the break when Darren Ryan’s corner eventually produced a close range header from Steve Cowe that beat Martyrs ‘keeper Neil Thomas. Later, Thomas was the last Merthyr booking as he contested a decision by a linesman who ruled that, despite Thomas’ considerable efforts, Martin Paul’s injury time penalty had crossed the goal line. 

We could easily have had an earlier penalty with Matt Rose seeming to be brought down in the box but that one wasn’t given. The win lifts us just one place in the Dr. Martens table, to thirteenth, but we have games in hand on 16 of the other 21 clubs. 

County line-up: P. Mountain, A. Thomas, S. Benton , B. Clark, J. Eckhardt, N. Davies, A. Carter (M. Rose 85), D. Ryan, S. Cowe, G. Shephard, R. Edwards M. Paul 85).  Sub: S. James     Att: 1059.  

SATURDAY 23rd  DECEMBER

STAFFORD RANGERS V. NEWPORT COUNTY AFC – POSTPONED

BUT A CUP MATCH TO LOOK FORWARD TO

Shades of Walton & Hersham as our Premier Division game at Marston Road was called off less than half an hour before kick off. Concerns for players safety at one end of the pitch was the overriding factor. 

Quite naturally, there was disappointment amongst players and supporters at a wasted journey with the festive season so close but, as we neared the end of the return from Stafford, we had some news to lift the spirits. 

The FAW Premier Cup quarter-final draw had paired us with Swansea City, managed by Colin Addison, the game to be played at Newport Stadium. We are awaiting confirmation of the date but it could be as early as mid-January. The full draw is as follows:

NEWTOWN V. CARDIFF CITY

CARMARTHEN TOWN V. WREXHAM

CAERSWS V. BARRY TOWN

but, most importantly, 

NEWPORT COUNTY AFC V. SWANSEA CITY

MONDAY 17th DECEMBER

NEWPORT COUNTY AFC 2 CWMBRAN TOWN 0  

Pat Mountain only had one real first half effort of any note to deal with and we took the lead on the stroke of half time when Steve Cowe fired in a free kick from some 25 yards out. Two of our crop of youngsters, Rhys Edwards and Raith Plant were called off the bench for some, or all, of the second half but they could have been helping to look to re-establish our lead had not Jason Welsh missed a good chance for the Crows eleven minutes after the break. 

Pat Mountain then had to save well from Rhys Griffiths before we clinched the game 16 minutes from the end. Cwmbran ‘keeper Gary Wager had fumbled a couple of shots from Steve Cowe but, when Martin Paul had a clear sight of goal, Wager was totally helpless to deal with “Birdie’s” right foot blast. 

One group game remains, away to Rhyl, probably – but not definitely – on January 8^th with the quarter finals seeing us have a home tie against one of Cardiff City, Swansea City, Wrexham or Barry Town. 

County line-up: P. Mountain, A. Thomas, S. Benton , B. Clark, J. Eckhardt, N. Davies, M.Rose (R. Plant 66), R. Jones, S. Cowe, M. Paul, S. James (R. Edwards 46) Subs: R. Souter, G. Helman, M. Taylor    Att: 409.

SATURDAY 15th DECEMBER

NEWPORT COUNTY AFC 2 KING’S LYNN 1

We notched our first league win in five matches that stretch back over eight weeks, with Martin Paul’s late penalty deciding a game that will be remembered for the most unsavoury of incidents that could possibly grace a football match. 

What had been a closely, but fairly contested game, erupted on eighty minutes as King’s Lynn players Craig Clark and Jamie Clarke were both dismissed for violent conduct – Steve Benton appearing to receive a kick on the head whilst grounded following a tackle. As a result of the degree of violence, a brawl then followed, involving 18 players at one point, culminating in three other King’s Lynn players being booked whilst Craig Clark was also reported to have used foul and abusive language to a number of people, including a ball boy, as he made his way to the dressing room. 

The 80^th minute episode apart, it had been an enjoyable game that either side could have won with King’s Lynn testing Pat Mountain to the full three times in the opening quarter of an hour. Superb saves from Matty Clements, Kevin White and Simon Dakin accompanied, at the other end, an opener from Garry Shephard that saw our striker grab his seventh goal of the season after a mistake by Lynn full back Jamie March. 

We should have wrapped it up within twelve minutes of the start of the second half with Steve Cowe firing wide of a gaping net after a good Darren Ryan cross. To make matters worse we wasted a 57^th minute penalty with new midfield player Alfie Carter being brought down in the box only for Garry Shephard to hit a post with a well struck penalty. 

They looked costly misses when Steve Benton badly miscued a 63^rd minute clearance and Danny Bloomfield drove home the resulting chance to level the score. We immediately came back but Billy Clark’s powerful header unfortunately went straight at Lynn ’keeper Steve Wilson. 

The two man advantage was pressed home to good effect when Garry Shephard was the second object of a penalty area foul and this time Martin Paul struck it as sweetly as Garry had the first but with better accuracy. 

The win lifts us four places in the table as we climb above Welling, Cambridge, Stafford and Bath. 

County line-up: P. Mountain, A. Thomas, S. Benton , B. Clark, J. Eckhardt, A. Carter, M.Rose, D. Ryan, S. Cowe, G. Shephard, S. James (M. Paul 71) Subs not used: N. Davies, R. Souter. Att: 655.

TUESDAY 11th DECEMBER

CWMBRAN TOWN 2 NEWPORT COUNTY AFC 3

 Despite going 2-0 up within the first half hour of this FAW Premier Cup game, we made very heavy weather of the win but, with two games still remaining, we are now just one point short of qualification for the quarter-finals. 

On a Jenner Park playing surface that lent itself to good football, we got the ideal start when, after Cwmbran ‘keeper Gary Wager had parried a 9^th minute Jeff Eckhardt shot, the ball was crossed back in for Billy Clark to head home at the far post. 

We doubled our lead on 28 minutes when a lofted Darren Ryan free kick saw Matt Rose guide a powerful header past Wager, bringing back memories of his goal in the Blackpool replay. A double blow soon followed with a recurrence of Jason Perry’s ankle injury forcing himself to leave the field and Rhys Griffiths reducing the deficit for Cwmbran with a first time shot from a low right wing cross. 

Even worse followed when Darren Ryan was red carded by Port Talbot referee Southall for allegedly kicking Chris Watkins. It gave Cwmbran an important numerical advantage and they levelled the scores with a second goal for Rhys Griffiths. A through ball saw Jason Welsh clear and he set up Griffiths for a straightforward close range chance. 

For a while Cwmbran had the upper hand with Sean Mainwaring and Nathan Cotterrall not far away with shots but a 72^nd minute Stuart James free kick led to what proved to be the winner. Matt Rose was the first to make connection with it but, as it came out, Jeff Eckhardt headed it back into the far corner of Wager’s net. 

The action was not yet over with both sides having a tremendous late chance to score. Pat Mountain had to make a remarkable double save from shots by Nathan Wigg and Andrew Wright whilst, at the other end, teenager Rhys Jones skewed a first time shot wide of a gaping target following a quick move involving Steve Benton and Garry Shephard. 

We now need just one point in total from our games at home to Cwmbran next Monday or our match at Rhyl (probably now in January) to clinch a quarter final place along side the other qualifiers Carmarthen, Caersws and Newtown, who finished second in group A despite last night’s home defeat by TNS. 

County line-up: P. Mountain, A. Thomas, R. Souter (S. Benton 65), B. Clark, J. Eckhardt, J. Perry (N. Davies 29), M.Rose,  D. Ryan, M. Paul (R. Jones 65), G. Shephard, S. James Subs:, R.Plant, R. Edwards.                Att: 248.

SATURDAY 8th DECEMBER

WORCESTER CITY O NEWPORT COUNTY AFC 0

This was quite a change from the usual recent final scores that have marked our visits to St. George’s Lane. A crowd eight times the size of that at Walton and Hersham saw a game that could have gone either way. 

Three home chances in the first quarter of an hour signalled Worcester’s intentions. They included a real scoring opportunity for Leon Jackson who was just not able to control a peach of a pass from Stuart Hadley. 

We then got into our stride with Jeff Eckhardt heading a Stuart James corner wide and Steve Cowe having wretched luck with a “bobble” as he put in a 25^th minute shot. It was Steve who set up Darren Ryan just three minutes before the break but Darren’s effort ended up just the wrong side of a post. It was a repeat performance ten minutes into the second half when Steve’s by-line “shimmy” provided another pass that Darren this time miscued. 

Worcester came their closest to taking the game on 65 minutes when Pat Mountain made a half-stop from a full-blooded Stuart Hadley shot and just retrieved the ball before it rolled over the line. We came equally near to a win just four minutes from the end. Steve Cowe was again centre stage, his fine run ending with a shot that hit a post. 

Our next challenge is an FAW Premier Cup one, against Cwmbran at JENNER PARK, BARRY on Tuesday kick off 7.30 pm. 

County line-up: P. Mountain, A. Thomas, R. Souter, B. Clark, J. Eckhardt, N. Davies, M.Rose,  D. Ryan, S. Cowe, M. Paul, S. James (R.Edwards 76). Subs: R. Jones, R.Plant. Att: 1047.

WEDNESDAY 6th DECEMBER

WALTON & HERSHAM 2 NEWPORT COUNTY AFC 3

Third time lucky as a seesaw match finally saw us through to the Third Round of the FA Umbro Trophy – and a return to Surrey to play Hampton & Richmond. Quite a few opportunities came our way in the early stages with Billy Clark firing wide on 4 minutes, Steve Cowe having two shots deflected wide in as many minutes and our central defender then forcing Luke Garrard to an agile tip-over on 20 minutes. 

Walton were assisted in their 32^nd minute opener by a linesman failing to spot a clear offside against Bas Savage who went on to put the Ryman League side ahead. We levelled on the stroke of half time when Steve Cowe’s well-flighted shot came back off the bar and Martin Paul nodded home from very close range. 

45 seconds into the second half we were ahead as home skipper Chris Whelan headed a Darren Robison cross into his own net. It was short lived because Scott Edgar grabbed a second Walton goal four minutes later. Martin Paul had one shot stopped on the line and another “goal” disallowed by which time Tim Harris’ dissatisfaction with one official had seen him sent from the dugout. 

The game was decided in the final couple of minutes but we had a very quick “high and low”. Darren Robison’s free kick found Billy Clark and his header from the far post area was pounced upon by Steve Cowe, his final header clinching the win. As injury time was just commencing, Darren Robison was felled in a challenge and was carried off with medial ligament damage that could keep him out for some time. 

The win gives us a January 12^th meeting with Hampton & Richmond so our Dr. Martens League game with Folkestone, scheduled for that date will need to be rearranged. 

County line-up: P. Mountain, A. Thomas, R. Souter, B. Clark, J. Eckhardt, N. Davies,   D. Robison (R. Jones 89), D. Ryan, S. Cowe, M. Paul (R. Plant 90), S. James. Subs: R. Edwards, G. Shephard, M.Taylor.                Att: 136.

TUESDAY 4th DECEMBER

WALTON & HERSHAM V. NEWPORT COUNTY AFC

MATCH POSTPONED 

A second postponement of our FA Umbro Trophy Second Round tie means that the game has now been re-scheduled for THURSDAY 6^th December at 7.45 pm. 

At least we were saved the trouble of travelling on this occasion, the pitch inspection having taken place around 12 noon. County supporter Donald Radsma was actually at the Stompond Lane ground around 9am and he reported to us that there were pools of water on the pitch. 

We will now hope for an improvement in the weather in the intervening 48 hours.

The winners of the tie have been drawn away to one of two Ryman League sides either Premier Division Hampton & Richmond or First Division Harlow Town. They replay at Harlow on Wednesday evening after a 2-2 draw at Hampton & Richmond on Saturday.

SATURDAY 1st DECEMBER

WALTON & HERSHAM V. NEWPORT COUNTY AFC

Total frustration and disappointment as the official party reached the Stompond Lane Sports Ground just after 1.30 pm to be told that our FA Umbro Trophy game was off.

First indications in the morning from the Walton & Hersham club suggested no problems after they reported a night free of heavy rain but a heavy downpour sometime around 8.00 am led to a 9.30 pitch inspection. A local referee, despite there being surface water on the pitch, thought that the problem would clear but when match referee, Sussex-based Andrew Wooldridge, arrived it was clear that the pitch was not playable, a view to which Tim Harris agreed. 

The game will now be played (pitch permitting) at Walton on Tuesday evening k/o 7.45 pm. Our FAW Premier Cup game at Rhyl, due to be played on Tuesday, will now be the subject of a revised date.

WEDNESDAY 28th NOVEMBER

NEWPORT COUNTY AFC 1 BLACKPOOL 4 (after extra time)

It was another tremendous display by the team who, in no way, deserved to end up on the wrong side of a 4-1 scoreline. Before a club record crowd and a large television audience, we took the lead for the third time in the tie and held that lead until midway through the second half. 

It could have been even better but a great chance in the fifth minute saw Darren Ryan head over from a Garry Shephard cross but, on 24 minutes, we did go ahead. Darren Robison played the ball down the right, Stuart James obliged with the cross and Matt Rose powerfully headed home. 

For Blackpool, skipper John O’Kane was inches away from a 36^th minute equaliser but it took a £1.5m rated player to bring the Nationwide Division Two team level. Brett Ormerod, who was to win the Sky man-of-the-match award, took the chance superbly but there was no Blackpool win inside 90 minutes. 

The Tangerines came close to a normal time winner but Pat Mountain saved from Ormerod on 73 minutes and, with six minutes remaining, a shot from John O’Kane rebounded off a post into Pat’s hands.

The “killer” goal came just seventeen seconds into extra time when John Murphy headed in a cross from the right. That goal separated the sides at half time in extra time and we then brought on Martin Paul for the last ten minutes. 

“Birdy” had two cracking shots in that time which both needed top-drawer saves from Phil Barnes in the Blackpool goal. However, they sandwiched an unfortunate own goal by Steve Benton and another quality strike from Premiership-bound Ormerod. 

The final word, though, has to be for our supporters who, despite the strong wind and heavy rain, sang and shouted their hearts out to create a tremendous atmosphere at a stadium that had been transformed during the day. 

Over the two matches, the support that got behind the team was unbelievable and, led by the Block B drummers, some of whom decamped to the temporary stand last night, created a real sense of occasion that was impressive to those at the game and, surely, to all those watching on television. 

County line up: Pat Mountain, Darren Robison (capt.), Steve Benton, Billy Clark, Jeff Eckhardt, Nathan Davies, Jason Perry (Steve Cowe 48), Darren Ryan, Matt Rose, Garry Shephard (Martin Paul 110), Stuart James. Subs: Andrew Thomas, Scott Walker, Ryan Souter. Att: 3721.

BLACKPOOL REPLAY – TICKET UPDATE

Ticket sales at Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Tiverton took the total figure up to 3,300, just a few hundred short of the revised capacity following the installation of the temporary grandstand that attracted much favourable comment on Saturday. 

Tickets will be on sale at Newport Stadium on both Monday and Tuesday from 10am to 4pm and from 6pm to 8pm. 

THERE WILL BE NO TICKET SALES ON MATCHDAY.

SATURDAY 24th NOVEMBER

NEWPORT COUNTY AFC 1 TIVERTON TOWN 1

Despite dominating the first half, we could only boast a 1-0 lead at half time with Matt Rose finding the target on 22 minutes. Steve Cowe had a shot cleared off the line, Nathan Davies hit the crossbar and there were several other first half chances - enough to have put us out of sight. 

Tiverton hit back late in the game, coming close to an equaliser on a couple of occasions before a breakaway and shot by Phil Everett got them a point. There were four bookings in the match, Steve Cowe and Martin Paul for us and Dave Leonard and Paul Chenoweth for Tiverton. 

County line up: Pat Mountain, Darren Robison (capt.), Steve Benton, Jason Perry (Andrew Thomas 55), Jeff Eckhardt, Nathan Davies, Matt Rose, Darren Ryan (Scott Walker 77), Steve Cowe, Garry Shephard (Martin Paul 45), Stuart James. Att: 807.

BLACKPOOL REPLAY – LATEST TICKET ARRANGEMENTS

A tremendous sales session on Thursday with over 300 tickets already sold for the temporary stand that will be erected at the Spytty Road end of the ground for the replay. 

Further sales sessions are being arranged for:

Friday 23^rd – 2 pm to 7 pm

Saturday 24^th – after admission to our home league game with Tiverton

Monday 26^th November – 10am to 4 pm and 6 pm to 8 pm

Tuesday 27^th November – 10am to 4 pm and 6 pm to 8 pm

THERE WILL BE NO TICKET SALES ON THE DAY OF THE MATCH

Tickets will be subject to CASH SALES ONLY (no cheques or credit cards) and will be priced as follows: –  Adults £8, Juniors & Senior Citizens £5.

BLACKPOOL REPLAY LATEST TICKET INFORMATION

Following another busy sales session on Tuesday evening, we will now be selling tickets on THURSDAY from 10am to 7pm at the Stadium. Season Ticket holders who have not yet done so have until 7pm on Thursday to claim their seat.

All grandstand seats were sold on Monday evening at the Carmarthen match but terrace tickets are available at £7 for adults and £4 for juniors and senior citizens.

CWMBRAN F A W PREMIER CUP GAMES

Following the postponement of next Monday's match to allow for our FA Cup replay against  Blackpool, the home match with Cwmbran will take place on Monday 17th December at 7.30 pm. The away game will now be staged at Jenner Park, Barry, on Tuesday 11th December, also at 7.30 pm. Cwmbran Stadium is still out of action due to improvement works.

BLACKPOOL REPLAY – COVERED BY SKY TELEVISION - TICKET ARRANGEMENTS

The AXA Sponsored FA Cup First Round replay with Blackpool is being covered by Sky Television and, therefore, will NOW take place at Newport Stadium on WEDNESDAY 28TH NOVEMBER, with a 7.45 kick off. The match will be ALL-TICKET, with a capacity of 3,000 of which 450 tickets (uncovered terrace) have been allocated to Blackpool under the competition rules. 

Tickets will be subject to CASH SALES ONLY (no cheques or credit cards) and will be priced as follows: 

GRANDSTAND           – Adults £8, Juniors & Senior Citizens £5.

TERRACE                 – Adults £7, Juniors & Senior Citizens £4. 

Tickets will go on sale to supporters from 6 pm. on Monday 19^th November AFTER ADMISSION to our FAW Premier Cup match with Carmarthen Town (kick off 7.30). Season Ticket holders can claim their own seat by going to the Sponsors Lounge. Tickets on general sale will be available from the ticket desk(s) at the double glass doors near the Burger Bar queuing from trackside. 

Season Ticket holders have until 7 pm on Thursday 22^nd November to claim their seat and can do so between 6pm and 8pm on Tuesday and between 6pm and 7pm on Thursday. 

Tickets will be limited to two per application and season ticket holders requiring a ticket in addition to their own seat will need to obtain the second ticket via the general sale arrangement. 

Any seats not claimed by season ticket holders will be put on general sale AFTER ADMISSION to our home Dr. Martens League game with Tiverton Town on Saturday 24^th November.

SATURDAY 17th NOVEMBER

BLACKPOOL 2 NEWPORT COUNTY AFC 2

(F A CUP FIRST ROUND)

A magnificent performance - so impressive that the team came off the pitch disappointed that we had only drawn against our Nationwide League Division Two opponents.

The biggest game in our twelve year history saw us twice take the lead at Bloomfield Road but be pulled back to level pegging with a penalty twelve minutes from time. The penalty came for a foul by Jason Perry on Darren Bullock just as our 1,000-strong band of supporters were anticipating “giant-killing headlines” in the Sunday papers. 

Two errors by Blackpool goalkeeper James Pullen led to, firstly, an own goal by Ian Hughes who was under severe pressure from Darren Ryan and then to a Billy Clark goal after a corner from Darren had been fumbled. That second goal came just three minutes after Tommy Jaszczun had fired home to equalise the first time for Blackpool, having fastened onto a rebound off a post. 

County line up: Pat Mountain, Darren Robison (capt.), Steve Benton, Billy Clark, Jeff Eckhardt, Nathan Davies, Jason Perry, Darren Ryan, Matt Rose, Garry Shephard (Steve Cowe 72), Stuart James (Scott Walker 84). Subs: Andrew Thomas, Ryan Souter, Raith Plant. Att: 5005

WEDNESDAY 14th NOVEMBER

NEWPORT COUNTY 1 BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION 3

(F A YOUTH CUP SECOND ROUND)

We took our leave of the country’s most prestigious competition for young footballers after a hat-trick by Chris Greatwich won the game for the Seagulls. 

Although we trailed after just 13 minutes to the first of Greatwich’s trio Matthew Currie then had a shot tipped around a post and Lewis Sommers went close before Lewis levelled the scores. Fastening onto a through ball by Matthew Shearman, Lewis kept his cool and beat the advancing keeper. 

Matthew then had goalkeeper Alex Bryant in difficulties with a 34^th minute effort and, if Wayne Antoniazzi’s 51^st minute free kick had gone in instead of a foot wide, we could have been facing Hull City in round three. 

However the league team pulled away with further Greatwich goals on 70 and 84 minutes but we will have gained from the experience, as with the Crewe game last season, of playing top quality opponents. 

Team: Will Alston, Lee Jones, Michael Evans, Josh Dupres, Guy Helman, Wayne Antoniazzi, Dean Lewis, Gethin Jones, Matthew Shearman (Richard French 73), Lewis Sommers, Matthew Currie.  Subs: Jamie Rowberry, Chris Rogers, Lloyd Stone, Craig Acreman.  Att: 181.

That only told half the story, however, with Raith Plant hitting a post in the 21^st minute and Bath ‘keeper Mark Hervin having to make superb saves from Matt Rose (3 mins) and Scott Walker (33mins). 

The second half saw us pull a goal back with substitute, teenager Rhys Jones, providing a stylish far post finish after good work by Steve Cowe on 72 mins.  It could have been closer but that man Hervin made further saves from Raith Plant and Darren Robison. 

County line up: Matt Taylor, Darren Robison (capt), Ryan Souter, Jason Perry, Andrew Thomas, Scott Griffin (Rhys Jones 46), Matt Rose, Scott Walker, Raith Plant, Steve Cowe, Rhys Edwards. Subs: Nathan Davies, Billy Clark. Att: 333

As a footnote, we still have a minimum of 32 matches to play in what will the biggest total fixture list we have ever undertaken since our formation.

BLACKPOOL TICKET UPDATE - 13th NOVEMBER

Quite a number of the remaining tickets were sold at last night’s game with Bath but there are a few still remaining and they can be purchased at Wednesday’s  F A Youth Cup tie with Brighton and Hove Albion that kicks off at 7.00 pm.

BLACKPOOL TICKETS - LATEST AS AT 11th NOVEMBER

Not all of our season ticket holders have taken up their entitlement for next Saturday's AXA Sponsored F A Cup First Round tie at Bloomfield Road. As a result, some tickets are still available and will be on general sale, on a first come first served basis, following admission to Monday's Dr. Martens Cup game with Bath City. Applications will be on a limit of two per application.

SATURDAY 10th NOVEMBER

NEWPORT COUNTY 0 HINCKLEY UNITED 2

The cup successes in recent games seemed a world away as we failed to raise our game anything like enough to trouble a Hinckley side that adopted a negative and spoiling role in the game but were able to take all three points from probably the worst game of the season. 

Despite our opponents’ preoccupation with holding the point they started with, it did need a fine save by Pat Mountain to deny Andy Lucas’ 17^th minute shot. 

Other than two tame efforts from Garry Shephard and a similar one from Jason Perry we did not trouble the Hinckley defence until the late stages by which time the game was lost. 

Jamie Lenton gave the visitors a 61^st minute lead despite Pat Mountain getting to his original effort and a mistake from Jeff Eckhardt enabled Hinckley to double their lead through Andy Lucas. Steve Cowe came closes to pulling one of the goals back his 76^th minute shot striking a post. 

County line up: Pat Mountain, Darren Robison (capt), Ryan Souter , Billy Clark, Jeff Eckhardt, Nathan Davies, Jason Perry, Steve Benton (Matt Rose 70), Steve Cowe, Garry Shephard, Stuart James (Raith Plant 70). Non-playing sub; Andrew Thomas  Att: 709.

FORESTERS SOUTH WEST COUNTIES LEAGUE

NEWPORT COUNTY 6 RICHARD HUISH COLLEGE 1

The youngsters made it sixteen goals in three games as they tuned up for next Wednesday’s F A Youth Cup tie at home to Brighton and Hove Albion (7.00 pm). They went a goal down within nine minutes but Guy Helman levelled on the half hour. 

The second half was one-way traffic with Sean Pearce putting us ahead and both Chris Wilson and Lewis Sommers grabbed a second half brace (one of Lewis’ goals being a penalty) to complete a convincing win.

BLACKPOOL TICKET REPORT

All tickets for general sale were sold at the Rhyl match but those season ticket holders who did not claim their ticket at the game will have a final chance to do so at the home match with Hinckley United on Saturday. Any tickets not taken up by season ticket holders will be put on sale at next Monday’s home Dr. Martens Cup tie with Bath City.

MONDAY 5th NOVEMBER

NEWPORT COUNTY 0 RHYL 0

Our home debut in the FAW Premier Cup thus produced a goalless draw with the physical and mental demands of the last couple of weeks catching up with us. The game saw defences on top and there were few clear-cut chances.   

The best of them for us came on 27 minutes when Garry Shephard’s header was parried, with some difficulty, by Rhyl ‘keeper  (and player-manager) Lee Williams. Rhyl gave us our closest call nine minutes after half time when Billy Clark needed to clear off the line from John Durnin. 

There were clear claims for a 73^rd minute foul on Scott Walker when he was put clear and a further downside to the game, which saw four bookings - all Rhyl players, came when Martin Paul sustained a hamstring injury in the final minutes. The result leaves us third in the group, with four points, one behind Rhyl and five behind Carmarthen but with games in hand on both. Our next game in the competition is at home to Carmarthen on 19^th November (once again, kick off in this competition’s matches will be at 7.30) 

County line up: Pat Mountain, Darren Robison (capt), Ryan Souter , Billy Clark, Andrew Thomas. Nathan Davies, Matthew Rose, Scott Walker (Rhys Edwards 82), Steve Cowe (Scott Griffin 67), Garry Shephard (Martin Paul 62), Stuart James. Non-playing subs; Jason Perry, Jamie Hammonds. 

Att: 519

SATURDAY 3rd NOVEMBER

BATH CITY 2 NEWPORT COUNTY 3

The perfect end to a perfect week as, following our memorable win over Woking and safe passage in the Gwent Senior Cup, we took a step along another cup competition road with the laying of the Twerton bogy. 

An F A Umbro Trophy away tie at Ryman First Division club Walton & Hersham (4-1 winners at Chippenham) awaits us on 1^st December after we over-came a give-away goal to come out on top. Not a very late penalty from Bath’s Jamie Gosling could spur the Romans on to forcing a replay after Garry Shephard’s class finish on 84 minutes gave us a two-goal cushion.

 It could all have been so different if the mix up between Pat Mountain and Billy Clark that brought a 20th minute goal for Adrian Foster had not been swiftly corrected within two minutes.

Martin Paul took advantage of a mistake in the Bath defence to level and another Darren Ryan “special” pit us ahead at half time. Unlike the teams’ first meeting of the season cards of yellow and red variety did not make an appearance

County line up: Pat Mountain, Andrew Thomas,  Steve Benton , Billy Clark, Jeff Eckhardt, Nathan Davies, Jason Perry, Darren Ryan (Scott Walker 46), Martin Paul (Steve Cowe 69) Garry Shephard, Stuart James. Non-playing subs; Darren Robison,  Rhys Jones, Ryan Souter.  Att: 877 

CWMBRAN DATE CONFIRMATION 

Our FAW Premier Cup game away to Cwmbran, which should have been played at Port Talbot last month, will now be played at Merthyr’s Penydarren Park (Cwmbran’s new ground share location) on Wednesday 12^th December. That will schedule it as the last game in the group, eight days after we make the long journey to Rhyl.

WEDNESDAY 31st OCTOBER

ALBION ROVERS 3 NEWPORT COUNTY 5

After the euphoria of Monday evening, we were brought down to earth as we went back into the away dressing room at Newport Stadium 3-0 down at half time. Our team, that containing both senior players and youngsters, were distinctly second fiddle and Albion thoroughly deserved their lead. 

The comeback did not commence until Steve Cowe found the net on 65 minutes with a penalty by Ryan Souter being added four minutes later. An Andrew Thomas header levelled it on 84 as we took control, Albion visible tiring quickly, but it was extra time before we got in front. Rhys Edwards' good run down the right set up Steve Cowe for his second of the match. Allan Stevenson completed the scoring seven minutes from the end the 120.

County line up: Will Alston, Lee Jones, Ryan Souter, Andrew Thomas, Josh Dupres, Rhys Edwards Dean Lewis 113), Nathan Davies, Allan Stevenson, Steve Cowe, Lewis Sommers (Raith Plant 39), Scott Walker (Jamie Hammonds 52). Non-playing subs; Rhys Jones, Matthew Shearman.  Att: 175

 RE-ARRANGED DATES 

The two games postponed because of our cup-ties with Woking and Blackpool have now been fitted into the schedule. The away game with Moor Green, due to have been played on November 17^th, will now take place on Tuesday 15^th January (7.30). The match at Newport IOW will also be on a Tuesday – 5^th March – with a 7.45 kick off. 

Meanwhile we can confirm that our Boxing Day game with Merthyr at Newport Stadium will kick off at 1.00 pm.

THE BLACKPOOL ARRANGEMENTS

Tickets for the much-awaited F A Cup First Round Proper tie at Bloomfield Road go on sale at Monday night's FAW Premier Cup game with Rhyl with season ticket holders having until Saturday 10th November to claim theirs.

Unfortunately, due to extensive redevelopment at the ground, the capacity is reduced to 6,100 and our set allocation is just under 1,000. The allocation is exclusively for standing areas since the seating capacity at the ground is just 1,500 and virtually all are taken by season ticket holders. However, we are informed by Blackpool FC that all standing areas are under cover. 

We have also reserved tickets for the Supporters Club, Amber Army and Over The Bridge Exiles to ensure that their members who have already booked to travel are guaranteed a ticket. 

Any tickets left unsold after the season ticket holders’ deadline expires will be put on sale at our Dr. Martens game with Bath City on Monday 12th November. 

Ticket prices are £7 for adults and £4 for concessions. 

Should the game at Blackpool end in a draw, the replay will be at Newport Stadium on Monday 26^th November (7.45 pm) and ticket arrangements will be announced in due course but, in any event, before the initial game is played. It is anticipated that if a replay is required, the tickets will be on sale at our FAW Premier Cup game with Carmarthen on Monday 19^th November.

MONDAY 29th OCTOBER

NEWPORT COUNTY 3 WOKING 1 

By far the biggest F A Cup achievement in our 12 year history has been accomplished with the defeat of Nationwide Conference club Woking and that First Round tie at Blackpool has become a reality. 

The biggest Newport Stadium crowd for over six years, and our eighth largest since our second return from exile in 1994, were treated to an unprecedented curtain call as a triumphant Tim Harris led the team back onto the Spytty pitch after a marvellous 90 minutes. 

Centre stage was two-goal  Darren Ryan, who twice gave us the lead, the first advantage being pegged back but the second, added to by Martin Paul, proving decisive. It was a true team performance and we had the best possible start when a Woking defender, under pressure from Jeff Eckhardt, failed to get distance on a clearance and Darren Ryan produced a magnificent strike from 25 yards. 

Woking responded and levelled on 31 minutes when Dean Chandler headed in a left wing corner and they were quite a handful for the remainder of the half. However, it was a different tale after the break when Steve Benton’s 35 yard plus shot clipped the top of the Woking crossbar on 61 minutes and, five minutes later, we were ahead once more. 

Skipper Darren Robison provided the cross and Darren Ryan’s second came courtesy of a close range header. With the tireless Garry Shephard harrying the Woking defence, we had the game in our control and took a two-goal lead eleven minutes from the end. 

Shephard’s persistence proved to be the building block of the move, Stuart James’ cross was 100% accurate and Martin Paul applied the killer touch. The drum section of the Amber Army were well into celebratory mode by now and they could have seen us add further goals but Stuart James miscued a Darren Ryan cross and Woking ‘keeper Tony Tucker saved from Martin Paul. 

County line up: Pat Mountain, Darren Robison (capt), Steve Benton , Billy Clark, Jeff Eckhardt, Matthew Rose, Jason Perry, Darren Ryan, Martin Paul (Raith Plant 89) Garry Shephard (Steve Cowe 87, Stuart James. Non-playing subs; Andrew Thomas, Nathan Davies, Ryan Souter,.  Att: 1431

MORE SEASIDE OPPOSITION 

Just minutes after the completion of the win over Woking came news that we will also face Brighton and Hove Albion – but at home. That match will be in the Second Round of the AXA F A Youth Cup after the Seagulls’ youngsters defeated Wokingham. No date has yet been set for the match which will take place at the Stadium. 

Meanwhile, our stars of the future are in Welsh Youth Cup action at Afan Lido on Sunday next 4^th November at 2 p.m.

STADIUM DOUBLE DATE ON MONDAY AND WEDNESDAY 

Our much-anticipated replay with Woking on Monday night (7.45) will be the first of two games for us at the Stadium in 48 hours. We commence our defence of the Gwent Senior Cup on Wednesday night when we swap dressing rooms to play away to Albion Rovers. The Albion Rovers match has a 7.30 kick off

SATURDAY 27th OCTOBER 

WOKING 0 NEWPORT COUNTY 0

Most of our away following of 400-500 fans crammed into Woking’s Cardinals Bar after the game to join home supporters to watch the F A Cup First Round draw. The reward of an away trip to Blackpool for the winners will be the incentive that will make Monday night’s replay at Newport Stadium (Kick Off 7.45) a tremendous match. 

It was a superb performance at Kingfield against our Nationwide Conference opponents and the application throughout the team was spot on. We had two players, Jeff Eckhardt and Steve Benton, booked in the first eleven minutes by which time Martin Paul had seen a shot from a Stuart James cross deflected wide. 

As the first half progressed both Jeff and Billy Clark had headers go close and Matt Rose had a shot saved by Woking ‘keeper Tony Tucker. For Woking, Warren Patmore was an occasional danger bringing a good save from Pat Mountain just before half time but badly missing by heading over from point blank range in stoppage time. 

Woking had the best of chances late on with, in addition to Patmore, full back Barry Moore shooting wide and Steve Perkins forcing Pat into goal-stopping action once more. Our best spell came between 62 and 69 minutes with “Shep” having a shot headed away by a defender, then volleying behind soon after whilst Martin Paul forced a save from keeper Tucker. 

Well into the four minutes added on at the end of the second half, Steve Cowe made room for a shot that was just a foot wide. Had that gone in, the celebrations would have been even better ! 

County line up: Pat Mountain, Darren Robison (capt), Steve Benton , Billy Clark, Jeff Eckhardt, Matthew Rose, Jason Perry, Darren Ryan, Martin Paul (Steve Cowe 82) Garry Shephard, Stuart James.

Non-playing subs; Andrew Thomas, Nathan Davies, Ryan Souter, Raith Plant.  Att: 2119

MONDAY 22nd OCTOBER

NEWPORT COUNTY 1 WEYMOUTH 2

Torrential rain that fell throughout the match may have seen the summer-installed pitch drainage system pass a very tough test but two basic errors by Jeff Eckhardt cost us the three points. Ironically, the first of them came just four minutes after Jeff had made a stupendous defensive tackle to deny Lee Phillips, a feat that brought supporters to their feet in acclaim. 

Those same supporters were then dumbstruck as David Laws gave our central defender a lesson in the time available at non-league level, robbing him of the ball and coolly lofting his shot over Pat Mountain. 

The game had begun to take on a classic shape with both sides playing well despite the conditions but a second error by Jeff, this one on the hour, allowed Laws to run past him, go around Pat and fire home. 

For the second successive match Martin Paul scored from the penalty spot but, although fifteen minutes still remained, it was not enough to engender a comeback despite “Birdy” and Billy Clark having chances as stoppage time ticked away.

County line up: Pat Mountain, Darren Robison (capt), Steve Benton (Ryan Souter 65), Billy Clark, Jeff Eckhardt, Matthew Rose, Nathan Davies, Jason Perry, Martin Paul, Raith Plant (Steve Cowe 65), Stuart James.

Non-playing sub; Andrew Thomas.  Att: 716

SATURDAY 20th OCTOBER

NEWPORT COUNTY 2 MOOR GREEN 1

A superbly taken chance by Steve Cowe, ten minutes from time, secured a win much against the run of play and chances created. 

Moor Green went ahead on 10 minutes when Nathan Lamey fired home, having immediately before tested Pat Mountain. Pat was to be the man-of-the match with a string of fine saves in the second half, mostly from Danny Scheppel. 

By then we were level with Martin Paul scoring from the penalty spot on 43 minutes, following a far post foul on Matt Rose by Richard Softley. Steve Cowe’s introduction on 74 minutes paid dividends soon after when he cut inside to despatch a tremendous chipped shot past Richard Anstiss.

County line up: Pat Mountain, Darren Robison (capt), Steve Benton, Billy Clark, Jeff Eckhardt, Matthew Rose, Nathan Davies, Darren Ryan, Martin Paul, Raith Plant (Steve Cowe 74), Stuart James.

Non playing subs; Rhys Jones, Ryan Souter.  Att: 702

CARMARTHEN TOWN 0 NEWPORT COUNTY AFC 1

16th OCTOBER 2001 – ATT: 622

A successful opening to our much-awaited participation in the F A W Premier Cup.

Highlights as follows.

C 15 – Craig Evans fires wide

N 13 – Ryan Souter blasts over

N 17 – Six man move Andrew Thomas/Raith Plant/Darren Robison/ Stuart James cross, Martin Paul dummy, Darren Ryan blasts over.

N 18 – Martin Paul booked for foul

C 19 – Tim Hicks fires over

N 20 - FREE KICK DARREN RYAN AND STUART JAMES COMBINATION AND DARREN RYAN STRIKES FOR SECOND SUCCESSIVE MATCH

N 31 – Martin Paul shot smothered by g/k Robert Fitzgerald.

C 40 – Neil O’Brien header, Pat Mountain save

C 41 – Wyn Thomas long range shot taken by Pat Mountain

H/T 0-1

N 47 – Matt Rose shot held by Fitzgerald

C 50 – Dean Rossiter blasts over

C 58 – Dean Rossiter shoots wide

N 59 – Fitzgerald saves from Raith Plant

C 66 – Lee Jones corner, Neil O’ Brien header – superb reactions from Pat Mountain

N 72 – Raith Plant run, Martin Paul curling shot wide.

C 73 – Chris Summers replaces Craig Evans

C 74 – Neil O’Brien heads over

N 77 – Steve Cowe and Garry Shephard replace Martin Paul and Raith Plant

N 83 – Darren Ryan run through middle/Stuart James cross and Garry Shephard’s glancing header goes just wide.

C 84 – Sion James replaces Sion Meredith

C 87 – Jody Thomas replaces Tim Hicks

N 89 – Scott Walker replaces Garry Shephard

N 90+ - Steve Cowe shot saved by Fitzgerald.

F/T 0-1

AXA FA YOUTH CUP LATEST-CROWBOROUGH GAME ON 25TH OCT

Following our clear cut 6-2 win over Gloucester City on Monday October 8th, we have now arranged the away game in the First Round Proper for THURSDAY 25th October with a 7.45 pm kick off.

The youngsters are therefore in the competition proper for the second successive season, having reached the Third Round last year, losing to Crewe Alexandra 3-1 at that stage of the competition.

Lewis Sommers selected for Wales

A Newport Academy player, Lewis Sommers, has been selected for the Wales Under 19 squad to play in a triangular competition in Estonia with matches against Estonia (26th Aug) and Poland (28th Aug). Lewis Sommers is 17 years of age and played for County in the Gwent Senior Cup last season, he is the only player in the squad from a non league club.

The winners of this competition will go forward to the finals of the European Championships Under 19.

FAW Premier Cup       

FAW PREMIER CUP RENEWED BBC Wales and The FAW Premier Cup Board today (Tuesday, July 10th) announced the continuation of the FAW Premier Cup for the season 2001/2002. A new format has been agreed in a one-year contract that will see the FAW Premier Cup go ahead for a 5th year with the winners prize being £100,000 as in past years.

The shareholders unanimously agreed the new contract at a General Meeting held in Caersws today. Dr. Iain Skewis, Chairman of the FAW Premier Cup Board said: - "I am pleased to say that the FAW Premier Cup will go-ahead in the 2001/2002 season. It will have a new format and will have the continued support of BBC Wales who will be the host broadcaster. My Board colleagues, with Company Secretary David Collins, have worked hard with me to achieve a positive outcome. The clubs have supported the Board's recommendation to support the agreement reached with BBC Wales. Having negotiated hard, the Board is now determined to further increase the status and popularity of the competition and will be working with the twelve participating clubs and BBC Wales Sport to do so." Keith Jones, Head of Programming (Welsh) at BBC Wales said: - "We are extremely pleased to have agreed the new contract and format for the FAW Premier Cup. BBC Wales' relationship with the Football Association of Wales and the football clubs has been close and we look forward to televising this newly restructured competition next season." The Key Features of the newly structured FAW Premier Cup are: 1) This proposal has been designed to retain the FAW Premier Cup as a feature of the football season in Wales and to maximise its impact for television audiences. 2) The competition retains the participation of the three Football League clubs alongside League of Wales clubs and Newport County (next year). 3) The retention of the £100,000 prize money for the winners and increases in other prizes are key attractions for all participating clubs. 4) The three Football League clubs and Barry Town will be seeded to the quarter finals. The other eight clubs will play home and away in two groups of four teams. 5) The guarantee of a home game against one of the "seeded 4" is also an attraction in itself for the four group qualifiers. 6) The one-leg knock-out nature of the competition in its televised stages will make matches more meaningful.