Last home game brings no joy

Once again there were numerous changes from the team which faced Ollerton a week ago, the problem which has dogged the team all season. Jake Reynolds made a comeback after a long lay-off through injury, but suffered a recurrence of the problem and failed to last the game out.
The fourth placed visitors had the first chance, Watson firing over the top, while Michael Minty brought a sprawling dive from keeper Shaw as Town retaliated. Appleby had played out goalless draws in their previous two matches, but broke their duck in the 11th minute, Golland striking a crisp 25 yard drive which gave Oliver Sinclair little chance. Newark showed some enterprise in midfield, Andy Palmer, Sam Wilford and Reece Self combining well, but there was little threat up front, though Wilford did put a 20 yard effort just over the bar. The Blues fell further behind on 31 minutes as McCarron was allowed a free header in the 6 yard area and powered his header home from close range. Baxter Smith, who again put in a hardworking performance at left back, produced a timely interception to thwart Hutson as a third goal looked on the cards, while a Will Fry flick on from Reece Carlisle’s ball forward was collected by the underworked Shaw as half time approached.
After the break Fry saw his shot cannon of Wright before Danny Purves pulled off an excellent block tackle on Watson as he pulled the trigger. Newark suffered a setback as Reynolds was forced to leave the field to be replaced by Ashley Parkinson. Palmer sent in a shot from distance which drifted wide of the target. Fry departed the scene on 65 minutes, leaving an unfamiliar pairing of Wilford and FP McGregor at the front for the remainder of the match. Purves again made an important interception to stop a threatening run from Ture, before Appleby scored for a third time on 70 minutes, substitute Tait scoring with his first touch after he was left unmarked 15 yards out. Dave Mason was the next Blues player to limp off meaning a first appearance of the season for assistant manager Steven Crawford. The last ten minutes proved to be Town’s best period, Wilford cutting the ball back for Smith whose shot was narrowly too high, the same player then putting in a powerful run which was ended by Wright’s tackle on the edge of the area. Newark’s best chance came two minutes from the end, Smith beating two men in the area, prompting a brave block from Shaw at the player’s feet.