Although I was at Blidworth last week, re-visits don't bother me in the slightest, and the appearance of Julian Joachim was another reason for me to visit the Welfare again - the former Aston Villa star has signed for Newark for 2016-17 season, and even if he only plays an hour in any game, he will be a massive influence, as we witnessed in this game. Even at 41 this is a top, top player.

The Welfare ground is looking in good fettle, and so is the Blidworth away strip - wow - very fluorescent!!! We had to wait only 11 minutes for JJ to show his class - racing down the line cutting inside before hitting the ball with the outside of his right boot straight to the far post, where Dominic Swingler was waiting to head home one of the easiest chances he will ever get.

Another cross in the 40th minute was converted by the visitors - this time a left side corner nodded home, again at the far stick, by Jamie Lloyd. Newark skipper Luke Parsons tried his luck with a hammer shot from 30 yards as half-time loomed, the effort was only just off target, fizzing past the upright. H-T 0-2

Joachim ought to have done better when he was gifted the ball by a Welfare defender on 63, but although his shot was on target, it was also straight at the keeper who saved well. Costly miss because just a couple of minutes later, Blidworth were back in the game when Max Curzon took full advantage of some hesitant defending, running into the box before firing past the Newark keeper.
The scores were level on 79 - Tom Blainey breaking a sloppy off-side trap and firing home at the near post. The home team were unable to stay level though - and it was another header, this time superb, towering 90th minute Parson effort from a right wing corner that did for them. F-T 2-3

Great game - cracking afternoon out all in all !