No reward for Blues

For the second time in three days the Blues ended a game with less than they deserved after another positive display saw them match Harworth for most of the game but without the element of luck which can make all the difference. No less than four players made their first appearances of the season, 18 year old Cole Maule, a new signing from Greyhounders, making his debut along with Freddie Daws, while Sam Gregory and Jake Reynolds were also in the squad.
Playing against a stiff breeze, Nathan Burrows was quickly in action, saving with his feet from Shaun Mundy in the opening attack. Newark soon fell behind, there were just 8 minutes on the clock as Hardman launched a wind assisted shot from 25 yards which crashed off the bar, falling nicely for Edmondson to knock in the rebound. Town retaliated, Sam Wilford seeing a shot pushed round the post, but then received a blow when Kieran Wall limped off with a pulled hamstring to be replaced by young Brad Scott. Scott was soon in action, hitting a well-judged ball into the Harworth area which Tyler Martin almost connected with. On the half hour Scott was denied as his lofted shot was acrobatically fingertipped over the bar by keeper Leese. Martin brought another good block from Leese while at the other end Ian Wade produced a well-timed header to clear a dangerous cross from Gary Mundy.
With the wind now in their favour, the Blues surged forward, Martin’s early corner bouncing off the top of the bar while Maule, who had impressed with his pace, let in Will Nelson who brought a reaction save from Leese. Newark went close to equalising on the hour as Sam Gregory’s 25 yard drive hit the bar but rebounded to safety. Leese saved with his feet from Martin after he picked up a neat flick from Maule and turned his marker. Both goalkeepers were producing inspired performances and it was Burrows’ turn to shine next with a point –blank save from Tomlinson. As play switched from end to end Martin yet again brought the best out of Leese with a cheeky back flick which was pushed wide. A Martin corner came back off the face of the bar as Town pressed forward, but hopes of a share of the points were finally dashed in the 86th minute as sub Alder fired home from close range ensuring the Blues returned home with nothing to show for their efforts.