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. 

CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOGRAPHS

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.