TUESDAY 10th MAY 

CARDIFF CITY 2 NEWPORT COUNTY AFC 2                                                                                                               (NEWPORT COUNTY WIN 4-2 ON PENALTIES) 

THE FAW WELSH YOUTH CUP COMES TO SPYTTY! 

In front of a 400 plus crowd at Ninian Park, (one of the largest attendances in the competition) our youngsters capped a fine season by proving themselves the best young team in Wales. 

The match produced full value with both sides displaying a competitive attitude throughout, the game going into extra time and finally being settled in a penalty shoot-out. There were a total of ten yellow cards, starting with City’s Sean Cronin on 14 minutes and ending with Neil Passmore’s second of the evening which terminated his involvement just before half time in extra time. 

We settled well and were the better side in opening quarter of an hour but Cardiff then had a good spell, taking advantage with Curtis McDonald finishing off a good by line move on the half hour. 

We gradually came back into the game after half time with City ‘keeper Scott Allison having to tip over a tremendous 53rd minute shot from Sam O’Sullivan. We then fully asserted ourselves and skipper Danny Brimfield, one of a number of former Cardiff schoolboy discards on show who have all been so well-nurtured at the Hartridge Academy, turned the scoreline on its head. 

He found the back of the Cardiff net twice in six minutes, a close range shot levelling the score and a 76th minute classic far post header at a corner putting us in front. It looked as if we would win in regulation time but Cardiff showed their abilities and, after mounting late pressure through individual runs at our defence, they equalised after a tremendous goal line scramble, our well drilled defence not quite able to keep the ball out. 

The high quality displays from both teams continued for the twenty minutes extra time but it was a penalty shoot-out that decided it – and that had some drama, too. Matthew Rowlands had our first one saved but Curtis McDonald suffered the same fate with the Bluebirds’ second, and, when Michael Corcoran saw City’s fourth rebound off the crossbar, Matthew Hearne kept a cool head to give FAW officials the task of putting AMBER ribbons on the trophy. 

There were joyous celebrations as Danny Brimfield lifted the cup to bring the curtain down on a fine season and everyone at Newport County would like to thank all our supporters who travelled to Ninian for making the occasion very special. 

Line-Up:- Andrew Delve, Neil Passmore, Gareth Mouncher (Matthew Hearne 92), Danny Brimfield, Leon Shorney, Sam O’Sullivan, Dale Evans, Kris Leek, Matthew Prosser, John Phillips, Matthew O’Keefe (Matthew Rowlands 64). Sub: Mark Griffiths 

Link here for photographs from this match

TUESDAY 3rd MAY

THE DIRECTORS OF BARAMBER (NEWPORT COUNTY AFC SOCIAL CLUB) WOULD LIKE TO THANK ALL MEMBERS AND GUESTS FOR THEIR SUPPORT DURING THE 2004/05 SEASON.

OUR FIRST FULL SEASON HAS BEEN AN OVERWHELMING SUCCESS AND WE COULDN'T HAVE ACHIEVED THIS WITHOUT THE SUPPORT OF THE FANS.

SATURDAY 30th APRIL (1) 

DARREN JONES TAKES PATRONS’ CUP 

Baramber was the after match scene of our Annual Awards Presentation Evening and, with Conference status secure, the party was in full flow. 

Skipper and defensive lynchpin Darren Jones made it a club awards double, receiving the Patrons Cup for being voted Player of the Year by supporters and also the Brian Toms Presidents Cup for being Player’s Player, voted for by his team mates. 

The Doc Heffernan Shield for Young Player of the Year went to Tom Hooper with the Tom Gardner Trophy for top scorer shared between Jason Bowen, Jamie Moralee and John Phillips. 

Earlier in the day, a pre-match presentation saw the Youth Team Player of the Year award going to Dale Evans with Matthew Rowlands and Kris Leek sharing the Youth Team Player’s Player award. 

The Amber Army Player of the Year was also won by Darren with Jason Bowen being named the Supporters Club Player of the Year. 

The other Supporters Club awards were Young Player – Ashley Williams, Away Player – Andrew Delve whilst the Young Supporter and Supporter of the Year accolades went to Daniel O’Sullivan and Chris Joyner respectively. 

Link here for Presentation photographs

NEWPORT COUNTY AFC 2 MAIDENHEAD UNITED 1 

Huge sighs of relief at Spytty after we took our destiny into our own hands and made Carshalton’s win at Eastbourne irrelevant. It was our final opponents of the season, Maidenhead, who were relegated but they at least had the consolation of being vociferously backed by over 150 of their fans. 

We had by far the better of the first half with Chris Taylor forcing ‘keeper Adam Federici to tip over his 18th minute shot and the man in the no. 1 jersey had to do likewise to deny Lee Phillips header on 44 minutes. 

We then took a lead on the cusp of half time when Chris Curran and Jamie Moralee combined to open up the way for Jason Bowen to score from fifteen yards. 

Darren Jones made a great tackle to prevent Lawrence Yaku equalising on 54 but we doubled the lead on 63 with Jamie Moralee planting a superb header past Federici following Jason Bowen’s delightful free kick. 

Cortez Belle, playing at the back, then had a free kick saved by Federici but Maidenhead reduced the arrears seven minutes from time from the penalty spot. Craig O’Connor was the scorer after Andrew Thomas was harshly punished for a challenge on Lee Kersey. 

We ensured no further erosion of the lead to end the season on a high, Jason Bowen getting the man-of-the-match award. 

Line-Up:- N. Vaughan, L. Phillips, C. Taylor, C. Curran, D. Jones (S. Morgan 79), A. Thomas, J. Bowen, N. Davies,  J. Moralee, C. Belle, T. Hooper (G. Jones 62). Subs: L. Grist, J. Phillips, N. Harrhy. Att: 1228. 

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WEDNESDAY 27th APRIL 

GWENT SENIOR CUP FINAL

CALDICOT TOWN 0 NEWPORT COUNTY AFC 4 

We retained the Gwent Senior Cup at Newport YMCA and, in doing so, made it eight wins in nine years although Caldicot will feel, quite rightly, that the final score did not do them justice. 

For much of the game, the sides were just separated by Lloyd Grist’s 19th minute goal and it was only in the last quarter-of-an-hour that fitness kicked in with three more goals, albeit two of them from the penalty spot. 

Caldicot, managed by our former centre-half Mike Pratt - and fielding three other former Exiles Rob Painter, James Rowberry and Lloyd Stone – had their chances, too, but found Andrew Delve in top form displaying sure handling and organisation. They had some consolation, though, when the man-of-the-match award went to their skipper David Lloyd. 

Nick Harrhy made it 2-0 and he was then fouled in the opposition area twice in the last five minutes, the resulting spot kicks being fired home by John Phillips and Nick himself. 

Former exile Stone got his marching orders late in the match, picking up a second yellow card for “verbals” thus levelling up the sides some time after severe cramp forced Lloyd Grist onto the sidelines. 

The game was watched by approximately 200 people and was well organised by host club Newport YMCA led by their secretary Viv Edwards. 

Line-Up:- A. Delve, K. Leek (M. Morris), G. Mouncher, L. Shorney, D. Brimfield, G. Jones, N. Passmore, D. Evans (S. O’Sullivan), J. Tyrrell (N. Harrhy), J. Phillips, L. Grist. Subs: M. Prosser, M. Hearne.

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200 CLUB  AGM   

All 200 Club members are asked to collect their AGM envelopes from the Social Club TODAY.  The envelope contains the Notice of Meeting and Agenda of the AGM on Thursday 19th May, together with the Accounts and a special invitation to members. Both Founder Members and Annual Members are entitled to attend the AGM. 

Life Membership is still available.

MAYOR’S  CHARITY  MATCH 

Next Wednesday (4th May) Newport County AFC will play the winners of the “County” Charity Cup, Maindee Handyman AFC.  The Handymen beat Caldicot Town Reserves in a keenly contested quality match to win the Cup and earn Wednesday’s game with the County.  John Cornforth will take the opportunity of including some trialists in the County side. Entry is £2 with all proceeds going to the Mayor’s Charities. 

Kick Off  7.15 pm

SATURDAY 23rd APRIL 

LEWES 2 NEWPORT COUNTY AFC 2 

A win would have been good enough to ensure safety but it was not to be, as, after taking the lead, we finally had to rely on a late Jason Bowen penalty to salvage a point from our first visit to Lewes. 

With Cortez Belle making a fine job of replacing suspended Darren Jones in central defence, we looked in no early difficulty whatsoever, effectively countering the home side’s initial chances.

Once into our stride, we had Nick Harrhy go narrowly wide and Cortez strike the Lewes crossbar with a tremendous free kick before a long throw by Chris Curran landed on the edge of the six-yard box to be rifled home on the volley by Jamie Moralee. 

However, the lead only lasted seven minutes with a Lewes break seeing Lee Farrell give Nathan Vaughan no chance whatsoever with a shot into the top corner that was even more powerful than Jamie’s effort. 

The second half saw us play second fiddle as Lewes came mightily close on a number of occasions before they went ahead as a swift move down the right ended with Gavin Holligan scoring.  

We also had to thank Cortez Belle and  ‘keeper Nathan Vaughan for their work. Cortez made a tremendous 58th minute tackle on the nippy Holligan who could well have put his side ahead at that point and Nathan made a number of good stops including a brave save at Holligan’s feet as he looked likely to put Lewes 3-1 ahead. 

Chris Taylor at least tested the home ‘keeper with one of our rare second half threats and Nathan Davies was wide when well placed but it was a foul on Cortez that brought us some salvation with the consequent 88th minute penalty, duly converted by Jason Bowen. 

Line-Up:- N. Vaughan, L. Phillips, S. Morgan (L.Grist 85), N. Davies, A. Thomas, C. Belle, J. Bowen, C. Curran,  J. Moralee, N. Harrhy (J. Phillips 66), C. Taylor (S. O’Sullivan 72). Subs: G. Jones, N. Passmore. Att: 612. 

Link here for photographs from this match

SATURDAY 16th APRIL 

NEWPORT COUNTY AFC 1 THURROCK 2 

We stay outside the relegation places but thanks only to other teams not picking up points. Our list of absentees lengthened during the game with Ashley Williams carried off and set for a medical scan that is likely to rule him out of both the two remaining Conference South games.  

With Cortez Belle and Antonio Corbisiero absent from the starting line up, and Chris Curran another week away from fitness, there was a lack of quality in much of our play and although our defence didn’t concede in the first exchanges, we were still hit with two in the first 25 minutes.

Both were due to defensive mistakes as an oft-worked Thurrock free kick, well briefed to our players, was allowed to be successful and Bertie Brayley’s finish set the visitors on their way. Eight minutes later, Nathan Vaughan made a rare error of judgment not completing his catching of a cross and Adam Parker headed home after Brayley’s first effort came back off the bar. 

After Ashley Williams departed on a stretcher, the game got a bit lively and Kris Lee of Thurrock was off after two yellow cards in the space of ninety seconds, though his first, for an over-the-top tackle on Andrew Thomas, warranted red alone. 

We were far more effective after the break with Nick Harrhy and Jason Bowen having chances but it was the introduction of Jamie Moralee’s experience and ability to hold the ball up that gave us a chance of getting something from the game. 

Just four minutes after his arrival, Jamie got on the end of Jason Bowen’s pass to make it 2-1 but we were unable to build on it, Thurrock got their three play-off consolidation points and our fans are still in nail-biting mode. 

Line-Up:- N. Vaughan, L. Phillips, S. Morgan, N. Davies, D. Jones, A. Thomas, J. Bowen, A. Williams (G. Jones 30), N. Harrhy, J. Phillips (J. Moralee 72), C. Taylor (S. O’Sullivan 84). Subs: L. Grist, M. Morris. Att: 712. 

Link here for photographs from this match

THURSDAY 14th APRIL 

CROESYCEILIOG 1 NEWPORT COUNTY AFC 2 

For the second time in five days, we went through to a cup final as, following the youth team’s semi-final success last Sunday, we made it a win double coming from behind to beat Croesyceiliog and move within 90 minutes of retaining the Gwent Senior Cup. 

The match was played in heavy rain that only started at kick off time, the elements being very unkind to the host club who had put in a lot of work pre match-day. Consequently, the pitch proved both difficult and tiring but our fitness made the difference, particularly in the later stages. 

Gareth Pattimore put Croesyceiliog in front on 16 minutes with a thunderous shot from the edge of the area that finished off a very good move. We were having most of the possession but Croesyceiliog looked sharp on the break though they were unable to increase their lead despite having one or two good chances. 

John Phillips’ arrival as substitute made the difference and, just six minutes after coming on, his turn and acceleration set up Sam O’Sullivan to equalise. John went off with a leg injury near the end but not before he had scored the winner. Jamie Moralee, who had chances of his own in the second half, featured well in the move, setting up John who made no mistake. 

Our opponents in the final will be Caldicot with the date and venue awaiting confirmation from the Gwent FA. 

Line-Up:- A. Delve, N. Passmore, M. Morris, L. Shorney, A. Davies, S. O’Sullivan, G. Jones, D. Ronan, J. Moralee, J. Tyrrell (J. Phillips 55 (M. Prosser 86), L. Grist. Subs: M. O’Keefe, G. Mouncher, K. Blackburn.

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TUESDAY 12th APRIL 

REDBRIDGE 0 NEWPORT COUNTY AFC 5 

This proved to be a straightforward win but was a match not without incident with Jason Bowen’s second yellow card leaving us a man short for a twenty-minute spell until home goalkeeper Jake Whincup handled outside his penalty area to deny Antonio Corbisiero. 

By the time Bowen was on his way to the dressing room a minute before half time,  we  had  established  a  three-goal  cushion,  two  of  them  coming from

Jason himself. Despite Redbridge having the game’s first chance, Leon Antonie firing wide on three minutes, it was virtual one-way traffic as we sought, successfully, to atone for Saturday’s defeat at Welling. 

Ryan Maxwell cleared a Darren Jones shot off the Redbridge line and, after both Nathan Davies and “Corbs” had gone close, Nick Harrhy seized on a through pass to control the ball and hammer home a fierce volley on 33 minutes. 

Two minutes later Jason Bowen, his first effort blocked, persisted and tucked home a shot into the bottom corner. He doubled his tally, and gave us that 3-0 lead on 44 minutes with a superb lob over the advancing Whincup following Ashley Williams through ball. 

Being a man short, we consolidated in the early stages of the second half and had to overcome the loss of “Corbs” with an ankle injury twenty minutes from time. John Phillips, seeing his first action for over six weeks, replaced Nick Harrhy for the last ten minutes and plundered two late goals, created by Chris Taylor and Lee Phillips respectively, to emphasise our superiority, lift us a place in the table and enable us to take a major step toward our safety target. 

Line-Up:- N. Vaughan, L. Phillips, S. Morgan, N. Davies, A. Thomas, D. Jones, A. Corbisiero (T. Hooper 70), A. Williams, N. Harrhy (J. Phillips 81), J. Bowen, C. Taylor (L. Grist 87). Subs: J. Moralee, A. Delve. Att: 176. 

Link here for photographs from this match

SATURDAY 9th APRIL 

WELLING UNITED 3 NEWPORT COUNTY AFC 1 

We totally failed to capitalise on the midweek defeat of Bishop’s Stortford and ended up beaten by a side that, prior to yesterday, had lost more home games than any other side in Conference South. 

We again conceded an early goal, Chris Moore putting in an uncontested header at the far post on nine minutes but we raised hopes by striking back immediately as Nick Harrhy showed a clear head to take advantage of a through ball.

However, the tide of the game turned on 20 minutes when Lee Phillips was caught in possession on half way, the ball being quickly delivered to Tommy Tyne. The striker tested Nathan Vaughan, who responded well, but Paul Booth followed up to hit the rebound home. 

Cortez Belle and Nick Harrhy combined well on 32 minutes with Chris Taylor’s final effort just a foot too high. We then needed Nathan Vaughan to perform at the other end once more as, two minutes before the break, a Jamie Day shot, deflected en route, had our goalkeeper at full stretch. 

The early stages of the second half saw chances for both sides with Welling’s Lee Slatter and Paul Booth allowed the space to fire in shots and Chris Taylor and Nick Harrhy threatening at the other end. 

The next goal was always going to be the vital one and it went to Welling twelve minutes from time – and again came courtesy of a defensive error. Scott Morgan lost possession in an important area and, in a move akin to their second goal, Welling again found Tyne who made no mistake. 

We managed to carve out a couple of late chances but good defending and goalkeeping denied Ashley Williams and Cortez Belle. 

Line-Up:- N. Vaughan, L. Phillips, S. Morgan, A. Corbisiero,  J. Eckhardt, D. Jones, J. Bowen (J. Moralee 86),N. Davies (A. Williams 76), C. Belle N. Harrhy, C. Taylor. Subs: J. Tyrrell, L. Grist, T. Hooper. 

Link here for photographs from this match

WEDNESDAY 6th APRIL 

NEWPORT COUNTY AFC 6 BISHOP’S STORTFORD 3 

A quite remarkable match with goals going in all over the place and the final outcome being a win that does our position in the Nationwide South table a tremendous amount of good. 

It was thrill-a-minute stuff from first minute to last although the defensive coaching textbook seemed an irrelevance as we not only conceded an early lead for the second time in as many matches, but then twice allowed the opposition to reduce the arrears to just one goal. Bishop’s Stortford

themselves are in the middle of their two-legged F A Trophy semi-final tie and their team selection reflected that - and they will be amazed that they contributed three goals to the proceedings. 

Paul Hakim gave them a 5th minute lead with a header that Nathan Vaughan got a hand to but, by the 17th minute, we had turned the game round with two magnificently struck shots. Cortez Belle opened his account with a thunderous long-range effort and then Jason Bowen, to be at his exceptional best on the night, rifled home a 25-yarder from Chris Taylor’s square ball. 

There was a debatable moment after 20 minutes when Nathan Vaughan had to scoop out a Hakim chip that looked as if it might have crossed the line but Cortez made it 3-1 on 33 minutes with Chris Taylor again the provider. 

We then made a blunder, poor concentration allowing Bishop’s Dean Cracknell the time and opportunity to make it 3-2 just on half time but we came out of the blocks for a second half that was to provide three more goals for us, two of magnificent proportions. 

Andrew Thomas and Nick Harrhy had both gone within inches of scoring before a hoisted ball from wide right by Cortez Belle was headed home by Chris Taylor who is having the sort of start with us that supporters dream about. 

We then messed up at the other end again with Martin Hayes able to score with far too much room given to him but we restored the two-goal advantage when Chris Taylor magically turned players in the opposition area to fire home 

5-3 became 6-3 with a goal, scored by Antonio Corbisiero, which would have graced any level of the game. The 86th move came down the right and was made by the inch-perfect Jason Bowen pass that “Corbs” ran onto to finish in his stride, the ball going under the goalkeeper and through his legs. 

Line-Up:- N. Vaughan, L. Phillips (L. Grist 90), S. Morgan, A. Corbisiero,  D. Jones, A. Thomas, J. Bowen, N. Davies, C. Belle (J. Moralee 75), N. Harrhy, (A. Williams 75), C. Taylor. Subs: J. Tyrrell, J. Eckhardt.  Att: 608.

Link here for photographs from this match

SATURDAY 2nd APRIL 

NEWPORT COUNTY AFC 1 HAVANT AND WATERLOOVILLE 1 

A third successive Nationwide South draw for us but a match that we deserved to win – albeit after a very shaky start. We gradually got on top of our game, and the opposition, but were unable to find a second goal to follow Jason Bowen’s equaliser. 

Two of our deadline day signings started – Antonio Corbisiero and Chris Taylor – and another,  Lloyd Grist,  was on the bench and both  Antonio and Chris had

good games but it needed us to come out of a self enforced early shell. 

We were not at the defensive races in the first fifteen minutes and there could have been more than just the one Havant goal to contend with. That came from Robbie Pethick from about eight yards out as defensive misunderstandings were rife early on. 

After the first quarter-of-an-hour we began to play far better and were in full thrust by the end of the ninety minutes. Cortez Belle, yet to open his County account, forced two good saves from goalkeeper Gareth Howells and Chris Taylor saw one chip come back off the crossbar. 

Cortez played a major part in the goal, heading down Scott Morgan’s free kick for Jason to turn and fire home. Nick Harrhy was also in good form and he twice had Howells worried late in the first half. 

Chris Taylor had three good second half opportunities just off target and, after Nathan Vaughan had made a save from a rare Havant second half incursion, Andrew Thomas saw a header cleared off the line. 

The draw keeps us in fourth from bottom spot but it is fairly tight and we look to go one better against Bishop’s Stortford at the stadium on Wednesday evening (7.45). 

Line-Up:- N. Vaughan, L. Phillips, S. Morgan, N. Davies,  D. Jones, A. Thomas, J. Bowen (A. Williams 89), A. Corbisiero, C. Belle, N, Harrhy, C. Taylor. Subs: L. Grist, J. Moralee, J. Tyrrell, J. Eckhardt.  Att: 631.

Link here for photographs from this match

THURSDAY 31st MARCH  

THREE DEADLINE DAY SIGNINGS 

A busy Conference transfer deadline day for the club, especially secretary Mike Everett, as three different faces will be in the squad for Saturday’s important home game (kick off 3.0pm) with Havant & Waterlooville. 

They include the repeat signing, on a new loan spell, of Swansea City midfielder Antonio Corbisiero who greatly impressed everyone when making four Nationwide South appearances in his December spell with us. 

Also joining us for the last seven games of the season are Lloyd Grist and Chris Taylor. Both players operate on the left hand side and are both 19 years old. Lloyd joins us from Shrewsbury Town, whilst Chris, a former England under 15 international, is a Swindon Town player.

EASTER MONDAY 28th MARCH 

SUTTON UNITED 0 NEWPORT COUNTY AFC 0 

Not our best Easter points return - with this draw a real candidate for non-event of the season – but, nevertheless, we climb out of the bottom three. 

It was a poor ninety minutes with all 22 players seemingly all-too-aware of their respective clubs’ position in the table. That’s the kind way to excuse the lack of entertainment in a match that produced just a quartet of serious chances, two to each side. 

Sutton were guilty of firing way off target on a few occasions and we seemed to lack conviction in our general application. The highlights of the game came late in the first half, the hour mark and ten minutes from time. 

On 37 minutes, a long throw caused us problems but Scott Corbett headed tamely into Nathan Vaughan’s hands and, a minute later, Andrew Thomas saw a header cleared off the Sutton line by defender Nigel Brake. 

Nathan Davies, a dead leg victim, failed to appear for the second half and he must have been as bored - and biting his nails as hard -  as everyone else watching the “action”. 

A 58th minute mix-up in our defence let in Craig Watkins who blazed the chance well wide of the post. Our big chance came on 80 minutes when Neil Passmore’s powerful header out of defence set Nick Harrhy away but home ‘keeper Phil Wilson made the vital save. There were three bookings in the game, two of them being Darren Jones and Jason Bowen. 

Line-Up:- N. Vaughan, L. Phillips (N. Passmore 64), S. Morgan, N. Davies (T. Hooper 46), A. Thomas, D. Jones, J. Bowen, A. Williams, J. Moralee (N. Harrhy 64), C. Belle, J. Eckhardt. Subs: J. Tyrrell, G. Jones.  Att: 665.

Link here for photographs from this match

GOOD FRIDAY 25th MARCH 

NEWPORT COUNTY AFC 1 HAYES 1 

An excellent crowd, good weather but, unfortunately, not the result that would have made the occasion. We were unable to build on a dream start and good first half and, having dipped in performance in the second 45 minutes, it was only very late in the game that we looked capable of getting back in front. 

Wales’ international commitments were the reason behind bringing the game forward to Good Friday and it looked thumbs up all the way as we dominated the first 25 minutes, fashioning half-a-dozen chances in that time, including the lead goal after just two minutes. 

Nathan Vaughan’s long clearance was headed on by Cortez Belle and, with the Hayes defence in some disarray, Nathan Davies latched onto it to score only the eighth goal of his County career. 

A similar move immediately afterwards saw Nathan fire over, Jason Bowen then headed a Darren Jones free kick into the goalkeeper’s hands, Darren himself was a foot away with a free kick and Tom Hooper missed a glorious far post chance from a Jason Bowen corner. 

First half, Hayes were restricted to a well-designed free kick move that saw the eventual shot go wide and a Jon Case shot very well dealt with by Nathan Vaughan but they certainly roared out of their blocks after the break. 

Seven minutes after the restart, they were level. A long throw caused us problems, a back header came off the crossbar and Kevin McKenna was granted the freedom of the six yard box as he, and he alone, reacted and headed home. 

We were then on the back foot for a long spell in the second half with bookings and substitutions abounding, a 14 minute spell producing no fewer than six of one or the other. The game seemed to be on permanent stop as Hayes cleverly, and professionally, disturbing the flow of play. 

It was only as the game entered stoppage time that we seemed to switch back on. Hayes ‘keeper Kevin Davies had to save well from Tom Hooper’s shot, Andrew Thomas headed over a Jamie Moralee cross and recent signing Nick Harrhy forced Davies to a good save at the base of his right hand post. 

Line-Up:- N. Vaughan, N. Passmore, S. Morgan, N. Davies, D. Jones, A. Thomas, T. Hooper, A. Williams, C. Belle (J. Tyrrell 62), J. Bowen (J. Moralee 80), J. Eckhardt (N. Harrhy 80). Subs: G. Jones, A. Delve.  Att: 968.

Link here for photographs from this match

SATURDAY 19th MARCH 

WEYMOUTH 0 NEWPORT COUNTY AFC 1  

Our first match for three weeks, five new players in the squad – and a very acceptable 1-0 away win that underlined our defensive strengths and saw Cortez Belle give us an extra dimension in attack. 

It was never a classic of a match with goalscoring chances at a premium but having overcome the loss of Scott Morgan (shades of the Eastbourne home game!), we were entitled to be happy at our fourth clean sheet in six games. 

Three of the new arrivals started the game with goalkeeper Nathan Vaughan showing good handling and organisational skills, Jeff Eckhardt fitting in seamlessly at the back and Cortez Belle making an impact up front. 

He had our first goal attempt on nine minutes, driving a free kick straight at Weymouth ‘keeper Jason Matthews and was instrumental in heading down Matt Morris’ 45th minute free kick for Jason Bowen to score the match winner. 

Although scoring opportunities were rare, our chances were good ones and Jason Bowen brought a save from Matthews midway through the first half and we later had a tremendous chance to go two up. 

Jason was again involved, his curling free kick seeing Andrew Thomas head against the home    crossbar and Jeff Eckhardt volley the rebound way over. 

That would have made the last quarter of an hour more comfortable although we coped with most of what Weymouth launched at us. The home side came nearest to levelling when Ian Hutchinson headed wide and Nathan Vaughan had to save from Darren Wheeler. 

Line-Up:- N. Vaughan, M. Morris, S. Morgan (T. Hooper 10), N. Davies, A. Thomas, D. Jones, C. Curran, A. Williams, C. Belle (J. Moralee 90), J. Bowen, J. Eckhardt,. Subs: J. Tyrrell, N. Harrhy, A. Delve.  Att: 1013.

Link here for photographs from this match

THURSDAY 3rd MARCH 

JEFF REJOINS – AND NEW DATE FOR BISHOP'S STORTFORD 

There will be a familiar face in our next team line up. Following the injury problems that affected our central defenders last Saturday, we have brought in former County favourite Jeff Eckhardt on a short-term arrangement. Jeff, who was our Player of the Year last season, has been playing for our neighbours, Southern League Premier Division side Merthyr Tydfil. 

The Bishop’s Stortford home game, scheduled for Saturday week 12th March but postponed because of our opponents’ F A Trophy progress, will now be played at Newport Stadium on Wednesday 6th April, kick off 7.45pm.

SATURDAY 26th FEBRUARY 

NEWPORT COUNTY AFC 1 EASTBOURNE BOROUGH 3 

A disastrous afternoon with, not only a home defeat to follow our superb display at Grays, but also a serious casualty list of four key players by the end of the match. In addition, two of the three Eastbourne goals were giveaways, though hardly helped by a back line that started to evaporate from late yesterday. 

That  was  when  the calf  injury sustained  by  Chris Curran  at  Grays  ruled his

influence out of the side and our defence was then hit with the first half thigh injury to Scott Morgan and what looked a serious ankle injury that saw Andrew Thomas stretchered off seven minutes after the break. 

Add to that Jamie Moralee going down with flu less than two hours before kick off and it was a difficult afternoon but could have been helped by not gifting Eastbourne a 38th minute lead. A Yemi Odubade free kick saw Danny Chapmen find himself unmarked and force Andrew Delve to pull off a fine reflex save only for an equally free-roaming Scott Ramsey to virtually walk in the follow up. 

We had two good first half chances, both cleared by defenders as they headed for goal. Chapman cleared Jason Bowen’s shot on the half hour and Ben Austin denied Tom Hooper’s 44th minute effort.

Austin scored for us on 63 minutes his clearance from a Bowen header rebounding in off a post. However, we were 2-0 down by then after Mark Crabb had stolen away on the far post to volley in a right wing cross. 

The hopes of revival were soon lost as a basic 70th minute defensive aberration cost us the ultimately vital goal of the game. Lee Hook launched a long clearance from his area and it was allowed to bounce on the edge of our area for Yemi Odubade to head over Andrew Delve and his fellow defenders. 

Eastbourne proved adept at killing the game off  though two chances came the way of Gethyn Jones and John Phillips saw Hook dive at his feet to prevent another. 

Line-Up:- A. Delve, M. Morris, L. Phillips, D. Jones, A. Thomas (G. Jones 52), S. Morgan, (S. O’Sullivan 46),  N. Davies, A. Williams, C. Bond (J. Phillips 60) J. Bowen, T. Hooper,. Subs: N. Passmore, D. Evans.  Att: 526.

Link here for photographs from this match

SATURDAY 19th FEBRUARY 

GRAYS ATHLETIC 0 NEWPORT COUNTY AFC 0 

This was our best performance in a long, long, time as we prevented the Grays promotion express gaining further distance between them and the remainder of the Nationwide South teams. 

Faced with an opposition that has swept all before them, and aided by Chelsea-style recruitment from Hornchurch, we became the first team to prevent them scoring since that five-man transfer of Essex assets.  

As was expected, the overwhelming majority of the match was played in our half but an adjustment of team formation – with Chris Curran the fulcrum of thought and organisation at the back – prevented Grays taking advantage and, when they did get in shots, Andrew Delve proved more than capable. 

Andrew had to fully concentrate throughout the match as the action was continually in front of him but, with the confidence of good early handling, he made good contributions to narrow the angle well for Aaron McLean’s 62nd minute miss and produced two excellent saves in the last three minutes to deny John Nutter and Stuart Thurgood. 

Even Thurgood, capped for England non-league in midweek and pick of the home side, couldn’t put his authority on the match and we could have taken all three points but for Grays ‘keeper Ashley Bayes. 

Bayes made two good first half stops from Jamie Moralee and, on 87 minutes, produced his finest as a break put Gethyn Jones clear for his right footed shot to be somehow palmed away by the flamboyant former Hornchurch man. 

Line-Up:- A. Delve, L. Phillips, S. Morgan, D. Jones, A. Thomas, C. Curran (M. Morris 64),  A. Williams (G. Jones 46), N. Davies, J. Moralee, J. Bowen, T. Hooper,. Subs: S. O’Sullivan, J. Phillips, D. Evans.  Att: 610. 

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YOUTH TEAMS MAKE THEIR MARK, AS WELL 

It was a good day all round with all of our three teams being undefeated. Our South West Counties side drew 1-1 at Salisbury, Aaron Pewtner scoring and our Football League Alliance team defeated Wycombe Wanderers 2-0 at Llanrumney. A 70th minute goal from Matthew O’Keefe set us on our way and Mark Griffiths clinched the win in our first game in the merit section of the competition.

FRIDAY 18th FEBRUARY

FANS FORUM NOW TAKING PLACE IN MARCH

The fans forum, to be held in Baramber and originally scheduled for next Thursday, will now have a March date (to be confirmed shortly). This has arisen because some club representatives now find themselves unavailable on the original date. The later date will also enable us to present the club's Business Plan for the 2005-2006 season.

SATURDAY 12th FEBRUARY 

NEWPORT COUNTY AFC 2 MARGATE 0 

Our second successive home win overcame the suspensions affecting Andrew Thomas and Nathan Davies, and arrived courtesy of goals at the beginning and end of the game but, on their long journey home, Margate will be regretting their wasteful ways in front of goal. 

The number of chances that came their way stretched into double figures over the  ninety  minutes starting with a Tom Hooper  clearance off the line from Ross

Graham-Smith three minutes in and ending with Andrew Delve’s tremendous save from the same player two minutes from time. 

Most of their pressure came in the first half but our two goals were strategically timed with new loan signing Chad Bond getting his amber account in the black early on. His header, after just five minutes, made capital of Jason Bowen’s left flank wizardry, the cross needing a straightforward response from the nevertheless well-positioned Swansea City striker. 

Margate’s shots were more long-range than deeply threatening but, had they been on target, it might have been a different story. Other than his denials of Graham-Smith, Andrew Delve only needed to respond effectively to first half shots from Adrian Clarke and Moses Jjunju and an early second half effort from Rocky Baptiste. 

We weren’t faultless in front of goal, either and we should have established our eventual 2-0 lead much earlier. A delightful 66th minute move saw Lee Phillips miss the chance of the match curling his shot wide of an open goal. 

As the later stages were reached we looked more in control with Chris Curran, replacing Andrew Thomas, having had a fine match organising the defence. That upper hand was proved almost at the final whistle as John Phillips and Sam O’Sullivan, both on from the bench for the last few minutes, combined well and Sam somehow threaded a fine left foot shot inside the near post.  

Line-Up:- A. Delve, L. Phillips, S. Morgan, T. Hooper, C. Curran, D. JonesG. Jones, A. Williams, J. Moralee (D. Evans 78), C. Bond (J. Phillips 84), J. Bowen (S. O’Sullivan 86). Subs: M. Morris, N. Passmore.  Att: 543..

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SATURDAY 5th FEBRUARY  

CARSHALTON ATHLETIC 1 NEWPORT COUNTY AFC 0 

We were unable to build on last Saturday’s home win over St. Albans and slipped three places as a consequence of this defeat.  

The only goal of the game came just fourteen minutes in when Mark Costello’s vigorous aerial challenge won the ball and Ali Reeve, back to goal, somehow threaded it home via a County deflection and despite the efforts of Gethyn Jones and Nathan Davies to clear the goal line.

Ten  minutes later  Andrew Thomas  headed over a  Lee Phillips corner and we

then had two chances in four minutes. First, Gethyn Jones fired a wayward shot wide from a good position then a break upfield ended with Lee Phillips being well tackled at the vital moment. 

Carshalton had two good opportunities to increase their lead, both lobs over Andrew Delve and wide of the target, those coming late in each half. Indeed, the home side started much the better of the two teams after the break with Nathan Davies heading one effort off the line before a trio of second half substitutions by John Cornforth changed the ebb and flow of the game to our advantage. 

Jamie Moralee went close seven minutes from time and Tom Hooper had an opportunist header – on target after Chris Curran long throw was only partially cleared – denied by a home defender deep in his six yard box. 

Line Up:- A. Delve, D. Evans, S. Morgan, N. Davies, A. Thomas, D. Jones, L. Phillips (T. Hooper 77), G. Jones (C. Curran 57), J. Bowen, J. Phillips, S. O’Sullivan (J. Moralee 57). Subs:- M. Morris, N. Passmore. Att: 443.

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SATURDAY 29th JANUARY  

NEWPORT COUNTY AFC 1 ST. ALBANS CITY 0 

What a finale! Jason Bowen’s eighth goal of the season brought the perfect end to an excellent match that saw some daylight established between our Hertfordshire opponents and ourselves.

We move three points ahead of St. Albans who could have themselves opened the scoring in the third minute, only a Scott Morgan goal line clearance preventing

them from doing so. At the other end, Saints ‘keeper Paul Bastock made three tremendous saves midway through the first half, two from Jamie Moralee and another, a tip-over from Darren Jones’ long-range blast. 

Andrew Delve made good saves in each half, denying Lee Clarke on both occasions, the second one on 79 minutes keeping us in the hunt at a vital time. The winner came four minutes into stoppage time and was built on a link between two of the nine teenagers in the squad, Dale Evans and Tom Hooper, the latter providing the cross headed home by Jason Bowen just wide of Bastock’s desperate efforts. 

Evans had been at the centre of one of a number of controversial moments in the game, the youngster having been struck on the head in an ugly, but unpunished, incident just before half time. Jason Bowen looked to have been the victim of a couple of, again, unpunished challenges although it was later established that, in the first of them, he actually lost his footing. 

St. Albans had Nick Roddis sent off for a second bookable offence 17 minutes from time  whilst Andrew Thomas was our only yellow card. 

Line Up:- A. Delve, D. Evans, S. Morgan, N. Davies, A. Thomas, D. Jones, J. Bowen, A. Williams, J. Moralee (G. Jones 60), J. Phillips, S. O’Sullivan (T. Hooper 87). Subs:- M. Morris, G. Mouncher, D. Brimfield. Att: 661.

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TUESDAY 25th JANUARY 

FOREST GREEN ROVERS 4 NEWPORT COUNTY AFC 3 (AFTER EXTRA TIME) 

It finally ended at twenty past ten but, ten minutes earlier, Jon Beswetherick grabbed a somewhat fortunate winner for Forest Green with a shot that took a cruel deflection off Dale Evans. 

What had preceded it was a tremendous cup-tie that almost made the spectators forget the cold Gloucestershire night air as we established a two-goal lead only for that to be reeled in by the Nationwide Conference club. 

Nathan Davies’ 19th minute hoisted ball into the home penalty area saw Darren Jones control and hit a powerful shot into the roof of the net. We doubled the lead on 34 minutes when one of the best of a large number of flowing moves was started, and almost ended, by Sam O’Sullivan.  

His initial run from deep put pressure on the home defence and they allowed us to start another move this one ending with Ashley Williams cross being controlled and exploited by Sam. However, as he was about to hit the target, John Phillips got in a shot of his own to make it 2-0. 

Beswetherick then scored to pull Forest Green back into it and they caught us somewhat cold soon after half time when Charlie Griffin levelled the score. Ten minutes from the end of the ninety they went ahead for the first time with Lee Davis turning in a left wing cross. 

It looked all over but as, for the second match running we went full tilt in the latter stages, John Phillips hit an absolute belter of a shot to take the match into extra time. That additional 30 minutes could have seen us edge in front with Jason Bowen, left out of the starting line up, heading narrowly over and a last gasp effort from Nathan Davies that would have brought a penalty shoot-out bringing instead a tremendous goalkeeping save. 

The deciding act of the tie, though, was that effort by Beswetherick that was particularly hard luck on young Dale Evans, one of a large number of our youngsters who visible came of age in a very entertaining and testing 120 minutes. 

Line-Up:- A. Delve, D. Evans, L. Phillips, N. Davies, M. Morris (D. Brimfield 94), D. Jones, G. Jones (J. Bowen 85),  A. Williams, J. Moralee, (T. Hooper 85), J. Phillips, S. O’Sullivan . Subs: N. Passmore, G. Mouncher.  Att: 223. 

SATURDAY 22nd JANUARY 

HORNCHURCH 1 NEWPORT COUNTY AFC 1 

The atmosphere and circumstances at Bridge Avenue have changed since our F A Trophy visit last season but the Essex side is still a good one although we would definitely consider the match to have seen two points lost rather than one won. 

True, Hornchurch put us under pressure in the first half hour but with Andrew Delve and our back four doing what they had to do well, the Urchins failed to capitalise. We took the best possible advantage by scoring just on half time.

A left wing corner was partially cleared by the home defence but Darren Jones set up Sam O’Sullivan. Sam’s well-executed shot came back off the home crossbar and John Phillips, sensing the situation, fired home the rebound.  

The home side lost one of their defenders to a second yellow card early in the second half and there followed an difficult period for us. First, both Sam and Ashley Williams were booked in an ugly-looking incident close to the Hornchurch bench and we then conceded a penalty, duly converted by Danny Shipp. 

Far from being downcast, we showed good attitude and took the game to Hornchurch for the last twenty minutes, carving out several chances with new signing Matt Morris denied by Urchins goalkeeper Micky Desborough, the Phillips’ (Lee and John) both firing over and Sam O’Sullivan having one on-target shot deflected and another hitting the ‘keeper’s right hand post. 

Line-Up:- A. Delve, M. Morris, S. Morgan, N. Davies, A. Thomas, D. Jones, L. Phillips, (D. Evans 87), A. Williams, J. Moralee, (G. Jones 71), J. Phillips, S. O’Sullivan . Subs: T. Hooper, G. Mouncher, K. Blackburn.  Att: 707.

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THURSDAY 20th JANUARY 

THREE FIRST TEAM DEBUTS IN GWENT CUP WIN 

Our 5-0 win over Tillery last night was notable, not only for our progress to the semi-final of the competition, but for the fact that three players made their first senior competitive appearances for the club. 

Matthew Morris, who had signed the previous evening, played at right back with two youth team players - Gareth Mouncher and Kris Leek – were left back and substitute respectively. 

Matt was with Hereford’s youth and reserve teams before going to the USA for four years. He returned to this country in December 2003 and has been playing for Westfields, Wellington and, most recently, Malvern Town.

SATURDAY 8th JANUARY 

CAMBRIDGE CITY 2 NEWPORT COUNTY AFC 0 

No late comeback this week after two second-half goals from Cambridge put them in decisive control of a game we could have comfortably led at half time. Unfortunately we came up against our former ‘keeper Duncan Roberts who had a stormer of a first half, making several fine saves as we, in those first 45 minutes, looked anything but a side at the wrong end of the table. 

Big Duncan was in initial action just nine minutes in as he whipped the ball away from John Phillips’ feet and then made a double save from Jamie Moralee and John eight minutes before the break. Soon after that display, Duncan pulled off another save from a fine Nathan Davies shot, the culmination of a weaving run from midfield. 

Add to that two more efforts from John Phillips that went over and a Darren Jones on-target shot deflected for a corner and the blank halftime scoreline wasn’t a true reflection of the action we had seen. Cambridge had three first half chances of their own – two going wide but, once Rob Simpson had turned niftily on the edge of our six-yard box to fire home on the hour, it was a major advantage.  

We responded with a first time Jamie Moralee shot and a long-range Gethyn Jones attempt but the home side’s counter-attack methods, that have brought them so much reward on their travels, then kicked in as we chased the game. 

We were badly at fault for goal number two as Cambridge skipper Matt Langston was unmarked at a corner to give him a free header and frustration then crept in with both Scott Morgan and Andrew Thomas being booked in the later stages. 

Line-Up:- A. Delve, L. Phillips, S. Morgan, N. Davies, A. Thomas, D. Jones, G. Jones (M. Griffiths 80), A. Williams, J. Moralee, J. Phillips (S. O’Sullivan 68), J. Bowen (T. Hooper 88). Subs: N. Passmore, D. Evans.  Att: 430.

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FRIDAY 7th JANUARY 

THIRD PLAYING DEPARTURE ANNOUNCED 

Following the release of Eddie Duah and Carl Wilson-Denis, we have also bade farewell to midfielder Jonathan Coates, signed from Swansea in the summer. 

Jonathan’s departure was decided upon both from the point of view of ongoing budgetary considerations and the fact that he did not fit into future team plans.

THURSDAY 6th JANUARY 

TWO PLAYER DEPARTURES WITHIN 24 HOURS AS EDDIE AND CARL BOTH LEAVE 

The last day or so has seen two of our players leave the club following management decisions. 

Firstly, on Wednesday, winger Eddie Duah was released after not impressing manager John Cornforth with his lack of commitment having refused to come on as substitute 15 minutes from the end of the New Year’s Day game with Weston. 

The second departure, today, is striker Carl Wilson-Denis, the decision occasioned by future team development plans. Carl had a successful spell on loan at Brackley, who were interested in extending the deal, but he was only recalled when an injury and illness crisis ruled out both John Phillips and Jamie Moralee.

SATURDAY 1st JANUARY 

NEWPORT COUNTY AFC 2 WESTON-SUPER-MARE 2 

Firstly, our apologies for the delay in posting this report – the New Year has brought a few computer gremlins:- 

Quite a remarkable comeback with two goals in the last four minutes rescuing a point in a match that, for our efforts alone, we deserved something from. It was a difficult game for both sides with a permanent gale blowing through the stadium, accompanied by regular heavy rain. 

Weston will feel robbed of the win but we created more, only to be dogged (for the first 85 minutes at least!) by our well-known inability to convert superiority into goals. 

When the goals did come, they were worth the wait. Carl Wilson-Denis was given room on the left (it must be said with more than a hint of offside), cut inside and set up John Phillips for a straightforward opportunity to reduce the arrears. No sooner had Weston kicked off than they were on the receiving end of a tremendous 25-yard shot from Ashley Williams that gave Seagullls’ goalkeeper Ryan Northmore no chance whatsoever. 

Weston had taken the lead when Jon French guided in Brad Thomas’ 22nd minute cross and increased it when Steve Jenkins headed home a 73rd minute corner from Mark McKeever. Six minutes earlier, a similar McKeever corner went straight in but was disallowed for a foul on Andrew Delve. 

Weston certainly do take a large proportion of their chances because, other than a tremendous first half Darren Jones tackle to deny Steve Cowe, our defence were relatively untroubled, shot-wise. 

Our wastefulness in the final third saw four first half chances come to nothing with Jason Bowen and Lee Phillips both going close to levelling just before the break. We started the second half well with Jamie Moralee having two opportunities of his own in the first four minutes and Jonathan Coates spurning one far post headed chance that seemed easier to score than miss. 

From that point on, though, we dominated the final stages, the pressure eventually resulting in the double strike that earned us a priceless point. 

Line-Up:- A. Delve, L. Phillips, S. Morgan, N. Davies, A. Thomas, D. Jones, J. Bowen (J. Coates 51), A. Williams, J. Moralee (C. Wilson-Denis 83), J. Phillips, G. Jones. Subs:- E. Duah, D. Evans, S. O’Sullivan.  Att: 708.

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BOXING DAY, SUNDAY 26th DECEMBER 

WESTON-SUPER-MARE 3 NEWPORT COUNTY AFC 1 

Our lack of penetration up front cost us some reward from a game that, once again, saw us concede just before the half time whistle – from which point we were then chasing the game. 

The first half had few chances to offer as both sided contested the midfield area heavily and we were winning that battle before conceding with almost the last touch of the half. A Mark McKeever free kick was not cleared and Steve Cowe, one of four former County players in the opposition side, pounced to fire home. 

With Antonio Corbisiero and Jamie Moralee sidelined through injury, we welcomed back Nathan Davies who played his part in that midfield contest. Unfortunately, just as we were getting to grips with the second half, Weston hit us with a second goal seven minutes into it as Jon French fired a curling shot into the far corner. 

There then followed a critical three minutes during which time Weston goalkeeper Ryan Northmore made two tremendous saves to keep the home side’s two-goal cushion. He first of all went full-length to push an Ashley Williams shot away and then repeated the feat to keep out an awkwardly low header from Jason Bowen - somehow managing to tip it round a post. 

Defenders Scott Morgan and Darren Jones had long range efforts stopped but Weston, on the break, stole a third goal in the last minute with substitute Mark Pocock clear, onside and confident enough to beat Andrew Delve. 

There was some stoppage time and within it we got a deserved goal but, by that time, a pure consolation as a Jonathan Coates corner was steered home by a header from John Phillips. The 700 plus crowd at Woodspring Stadium was at least half made up by County fans that will be hoping to see the side even things up when Weston come to Newport Stadium on Saturday. 

Line-Up:- A. Delve, L. Phillips, S. Morgan, N. Davies, A. Thomas, D. Jones, E. Duah (J. Phillips 54), A. Williams, C. Wilson-Denis (S. O’Sullivan 60), G. Jones, J. Bowen (J. Coates 77).                 Subs: T. Hooper, D. Brimfield.  Att: 743.

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SATURDAY 18th DECEMBER 

NEWPORT COUNTY AFC 0 BASINGSTOKE TOWN 1 

Although Basingstoke occupy second place, we expected, after the display rather than result against Grays, to get reward from our second contest of the season with them but they completed the double. 

The costs of individual errors on Wednesday were replaced by the costs of profligate finishing with two glaring chances being spurned early in the match.

Gethyn Jones produced a peach of a ball into the Basingstoke area that Jason Bowen, having presumably lost his bearings, headed wide of a gaping goal. 

A similar invitation came to Carl Wilson-Denis after a good move and build-up but he scuffed his shot badly wide. He was more unfortunate on 36 minutes when it needed Basingstoke ’keeper Scott Tarr to get his feet in the way of an on-target shot. 

But, our habit of conceding goals around half time surfaced again when too much space was given to David Ray who rocketed a shot into the bottom corner. Basingstoke could have added to their lead soon after the break but Neville Stamp and Martin Whiddett failed to shoot accurately although Andrew Delve was called into action to deny Sergio Torres with twenty minutes to go. 

We were on top throughout that remaining time and it was a matter of whether we could get an equaliser. We eventually failed but, as our shooting improved, Scott Tarr had to make a couple of fine saves from Jason Bowen and Antonio Corbisiero whilst a tremendous Jason Bristow tackle deep in the opposition area stopped John Phillips in his tracks. 

Line-Up:- A. Delve, L. Phillips, S. Morgan, A. Corbisiero, A. Thomas, D. Jones, E. Duah, G. Jones, J. Bowen, C. Wilson-Denis (S. O’Sullivan 56), J. Coates J. Phillips 56). Subs: D. Evans, D. Brimfield, T. Hooper.  Att: 535. 

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WEDNESDAY 15th DECEMBER 

NEWPORT COUNTY AFC 1 GRAYS ATHLETIC 4 

This match went by the formbook although it could have taken a different route had we pressed the odds-on promotion favourites after narrowing their lead to 2-1 with 15 minutes remaining. 

Carl Wilson-Denis scored for the third consecutive match, another close range affair after good work by Jason Bowen laid the way for substitute Eddie Duah to shoot, his effort being beaten out into Carl’s path by Grays ‘keeper Ashley Bayes. 

On a night that the two goalkeepers will want to forget, Bayes was red-carded for handball five minutes from time with his opposite number, Andrew Delve, at fault for two of the Grays goals. 

The opener came on 29 minutes when Andrew’s punched clearance didn’t carry sufficient distance and Leroy Griffiths fired home. It was a more glaring error that made it 2-0 on the hour. Andrew seemed in no danger as he went to the left hand edge of his area to take the ball but he misjudged it, allowing Vill Powell to shoot home from a narrow angle. 

Having got back in it through Carl, we let our concentration slip and Darren Jones allowed an opponent to get goal-side of him and set up Gary Hooper for the first of his two goals in a game-clinching four-minute spell. Andrew Delve will not be over happy at the last one, either, with hesitation in the back ranks finally allowing Hooper the time to finish it off. 

However, despite the individual errors that showed how clinical Grays are, there were some good points from the game for us with Antonio Corbisero again prominent and prompting in midfield and, if Darren Jones’ 30-yard shot a minute before half time had gone in, it may well have been a completely different story. 

It didn’t, and timing is often the key to a match with Grays, who looked a class act, getting their goals in decisive periods of the match. 

Line-Up:- A. Delve, L. Phillips, S. Morgan, A. Corbisero, A. Thomas, D. Jones, J. Bowen, G. Jones, S. O’Sullivan (J. Phillips 71), C. Wilson-Denis, J. Coates (E. Duah 62). Subs: D. Evans, D. Brimfield, T. Hooper.  Att: 641.

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SATURDAY 11th DECEMBER 

BOGNOR REGIS TOWN 0 NEWPORT COUNTY AFC 2 

We made our current record four wins in five matches and, with home matches against the top two, Grays Athletic and Basingstoke, in the next seven days our season could finally take off!  

Our first-ever visit to Bognor saw us complete a double over the Sussex side, whose good and tidy football wasn’t a match for our organisation and determination that had stepped up several gears from the nail-biting midweek win over Dorchester.

As with Wednesday evening we took an early two-goal lead, with the quality of the goals a joy to behold. Both involved moves from deep with Lee Phillips, Andrew Thomas and Jason Bowen all involved in the first before Sam O’Sullivan was released. His 18th minute run saw impressive control and a fine finish. 

Eight minutes later, Jason linked up with Antonio Corbisero whose low cross was turned in by Carl Wilson-Denis but, unlike the Dorchester match, we never really looked like conceding a goal.

Gethin Jones, back for suspended Ashley Williams and Jonathan Coates, recalled to the starting line up, worked tirelessly to supplement the initiatives of Jason and Antonio.  

Not only that, but Sam O’Sullivan’s ceaseless front-running always gave an outlet, the teenager being a constant threat and, understandably, he looked an exhausted figure at the end of the game. Only a lapse of concentration in stoppage time saw him stray offside before finding the net a second time, a four-man break having the home side chasing shadows. 

Since Roger Freestone left, Andrew Delve has kept three clean sheets in five games and this latest one saw good protection from his defence but competent handling from the nineteen-year-old – and a tremendous full-stretch save from Jodey Rowland four minutes after the restart – underlined his progression under John Cornforth. 

Line-Up:- A. Delve, L. Phillips (D. Evans 70), S. Morgan, A. Corbisero, A. Thomas, D. Jones, J. Bowen, G. Jones, S. O’Sullivan, C. Wilson-Denis, J. Coates. Subs: T. Hooper, J. Moralee, D. Brimfield.  Att: 332.

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WEDNESDAY 8th DECEMBER 

NEWPORT COUNTY AFC 3 DORCHESTER TOWN 2 

Having won at the Avenue Stadium in the league cup nine days earlier, we completed a double over the Magpies in a game that had plenty of entertaining aspects – but not if you were a County supporter or official. 

We brought the three points to fruition but it sapped a great deal of nervous energy to witness the success. Having grabbed a two-goal lead in little more than  twenty minutes,  we  took  our  foot off the gas in the second half and could

have paid a major price for doing so. 

Jamie Moralee opened the scoring after just six minutes taking full advantage of the flight and bounce of Andrew Thomas' long clearance to lift the ball over Dorchester ‘keeper Craig Bradshaw. The lead was doubled with an Antonio Corbisero corner eventually put in by a close range Carl Wilson-Denis header. 

Carl has returned from loan to replace shingles victim John Phillips but there was further injury difficulties as Jamie Moralee limped off to be replaced by Sam O’Sullivan. Sam ended up as man-of-the-match, most notably for our third goal that proved the eventual difference between the teams. It was a solo effort, Sam latching on to a defensive clearance, taking on the opposition and finishing it off from close range. 

By then, Dorchester’s second half revival had become a siege of our goal with Matt Groves applying a far post touch to a corner and, after Sam made it 3-1, Dorchester added another with a long range shot by Joseba Baradiaran. 

More jitters followed as Andrew Delve had to make a tremendous late save from Groves, having seconds earlier seen a Jamie Brown effort hit the crossbar. However, the steadiness of Antonio Corbisero guided us through the last few minutes. 

Line-Up:- A. Delve, L. Phillips, S. Morgan, A. Corbisero, A. Thomas, D. Jones, E. Duah (G. Jones 77), A. Williams, J. Moralee(S. O’Sullivan 30), C. Wilson-Denis (J. Coates 63), J. Bowen.. Subs: D. Brimfield, K. Blackburn.  Att: 524. 

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SATURDAY 4th DECEMBER 

BISHOP’S STORTFORD 3 NEWPORT COUNTY AFC 0