Only Sam Wilford remained from the team that started the final game of last season against Thorne Colliery following a turbulent pre-season, with six of the side making their first team debuts. Glapwell started the match the stronger, and would have taken an early lead but for a few wayward volleys in good positions. Newark struggled to create chances but almost took a tenth minute lead when a corner kick was cleared to Sam Wiford. He squared the ball to Michael Minty who took a touch before striking a long-range effort against the bar. Their opponents took the lead in the 17th minute when the ball was swept to Lee Naughton on the right-hand-side of the area. His shot took a big deflection which diverted the ball past goalkeeper Sam Russell. Rhys Stanley was looking lively down the right-hand-side with a sharp turn of piece, while Kieran Job also showed promising signs up front, but chances were few and far between. Jake Reynolds had the best opportunity to equalise before half-time when he latched onto a cross from Job only to see his shot comfortably held. Glapwell thought they had doubled their lead in the 31st minute, but the offside flag was raised despite a neat touch and finish from Josh Parfitt. Parfitt was denied for a second time four minutes later, when he made space in the area but could only find the post with his shot. The second-half was a more even affair, with neither side able to get on top as both defences held firm. Glapwell’s second goal in the 62nd minute came completely out of the blue, when an attempted cross from the left from Ryan Cancellara floated over Russell and into the corner of the net. The Blues responded to the setback, and set up an interesting final 20 minutes when a beautiful searching ball by Sam Gregory sent Reynolds through on goal. He kept his composure and lofted the ball confidently over the goalkeeper into the net. However despite their best efforts, any chance of a comeback was dashed four minutes later when Glapwell added a third. A ball over the top caught out Gregory, and put Daniel Russell through on goal. The ball eventually found its way to Parfitt who scored a deserved goal the easiest of tap-ins from five yards.
Newark kept battling, but playing without the luxury of fresh legs to bring on they were beginning to tire as Glapwell claimed their first-ever win against the Blues.

Report by Rick Lane