Five in a row, but only just !

Town emerged, not entirely unscathed, with three points after a gruelling game on a pitch which made even basic ball control a lottery. To be fair the home side had just as many problems as did the Blues, flowing football not being an option. Sean Fulcher replaced the jet-setting Alex Hales at the centre of the defence with Rob Walker making his first appearance for Town on the subs bench.
As spring finally arrived, the home side had the first chance, Davis firing far too high from a free kick. With a stiff breeze in their favour Newark got the important early breakthrough in the 11th minute. Darren Townsley found Luke Hutchinson who laid the ball off for Sam Wilford who thumped a 25 yarder past Chestney and into the top corner. The keeper had to be out smartly a couple of minutes later to stop Wilford adding a second. Wilford then found himself in action at the other end of the pitch, clearing a goalbound shot from Jack Owen off the line. Jordan Thomas ran on to a long ball forward but was robbed by a good piece of defending by Romaniw, before Town doubled their lead on 26 minutes. A suicidal ball by Brearley inside his own penalty area was picked up by Dom Swingler, who after several touches and three changes of direction finally found the net. After an earlier knock on the ankle, Thomas limped off to be replaced on the half hour by James Munson. Both sides were having problems with the irregular bounce, the ball in the air proving more reliable than anything played along the ground. Swingler had Chestney at full stretch after Wilford played him in, as Newark reached the break with a comfortable lead.
Kinsley were again first on the attack after the break, Hutchinson producing a good clearing header from Howell, who seconds later shot wide when well placed. Munson then brought a hurried clearance at the other end after Wilford and Hutchinson launched a quick counter attack. Reece Self was next to depart, nursing a knee problem, Rob Walker taking his place in midfield. The Blues were pegged back in the 64th minute, as the defence was breached by Jack Owen who netted from close range. A shot from Liam Owen then swerved at the last minute almost deceiving Ed Munton, who became the third casualty shortly afterwards, suffering from severe stomach pains, but gamely staying on the pitch to see out the 90 minutes. The defence worked overtime to shield the keeper, Sean Fulcher, Luke Parsons and Sam Gregory all playing their part in snuffing out any threat. Newark had a great chance to put the game out of Kinsley’s reach on 83 minutes, Walker’s accurate ball from the right falling enticingly for Munson who headed over the bar. The final action of the match set nerves jangling as a scramble in the Town area ended with Kinsley’s Calan Robinson screwing the ball inches wide as the final whistle blew.
Report by Richard Lane