A Jordan Thomas penalty was enough to give Newark Town a vital 1-0 victory over Thoresby Colliery Welfare as they moved up to third in the Central Midlands League North. Town were able to name an almost unchanged side from that which won at Appleby Frodingham, James Munson replacing Arron Martin the only change. Thoresby suffered a setback before the game started with Danny Wiltshire pulling up in the warm-up.
There was little to choose between the sides in the early stages, both teams going close with half-chances as Ngoni Dongo and James Munson saw efforts blocked. Newark’s midfield worked tirelessly to ensure their opponents didn’t take control of the match, with Sam Wilford in particular putting in an inspired performance. The crucial moment came in the 35th minute as Thomas was scythed down by Nathan Brown giving referee Forder no option but to award the spot-kick. Thomas got to his feet and confidently dispatched his effort into the corner of the net to give Newark the advantage. With their opponents offering little in attack, Newark pushed in vain for a second goal before the break, going close through a Munson shot that flew just high and wide. Thomas then had the opportunity to square the ball for Munson who had found space in the area, but the ball got stuck between his feet and the chance went begging. That proved to be Thomas’s last involvement in the match, as he was replaced at half-time by Danny Lee after sustaining a recurrence of his hamstring injury.
Thoresby’s best chance fell to Tom Moody eight minutes into the second-half, but his long-range effort was comfortably held by Craig Rhodes. However for the most part Newark had the upper-hand, and they almost scored their second when Munson was unfortunate to see his excellent curling effort strike the post. With just a single goal advantage, there was always a worry that Thoresby could make them pay with an equaliser, but a solid defensive performance from Luke Parsons and Alex Hales prevented them from having a clear sight of goal. Newark had chances to make their victory more comfortable, with Lee having an effort which was headed towards the top corner comfortably held by the keeper. He had another opportunity late on after being played through on goal by Wilford, but delayed his shot and the chance went begging. The final chance of the match fell to Dongo, but he curled a long-range effort just wide as the Blues settled for a single-goal victory.
The victory sees them move ahead of Thoresby on goal difference into third place, and will hope to continue their encouraging form when they travel to Brodsworth Welfare on Saturday.

Report by Rick Lane