Young Blues impress in final match

. The Blues fielded what was possibly their youngest ever line up, the 14 player squad having an average age of just 20. Four members of Newark’s successful Under 18 side were given a taste of first team football, Morgan Chappell, Thomas Johnson, Ben Baldwin and Josh Johnson all acquitting themselves well.
After Oliver Sinclair had tipped a header from Ryder round the post, Town fell behind on three minutes, Gordon drilling a shot into the far corner of the net. Gladwin then headed over the bar from a free kick as the Blues took their time to settle into the game. Dave Mason got in a good saving tackle as Gordon threatened again, but as things settled down, Town levelled things in the 21st minute. Cole Maule was brought down, the free kick was headed behind and from the resulting corner captain Ian Wade found Reece Carlisle who swivelled and beat Booth to score his first senior goal for the club. Newark had settled their early nerves, and were playing with plenty of enthusiasm and flair, Thomas Johnson and Chappell both impressing. The visitors suffered a blow on the half hour when Kieron Wall sustained a twisted knee, a victim of the poor pitch which had several sand filled patches. Sub Ben Baldwin took his place and soon made a positive impact, making a quick break forward before being crowded out.
The second half saw few clear cut chances in the early stages, Dronfield having a couple of efforts which finished well wide before taking the lead with 59 minutes played. Sinclair did well to parry a short range shot from Marshall but the loose ball fell to Bradwell who slotted the ball home despite the efforts of two defenders on the line. The home side almost made it three but Sinclair denied Austin with his feet. Josh Johnson had Newark’s best chance of the second period as he chased a long ball forward but his attempted lob over Booth was fractionally too low. Wade then came to Town’s rescue as he chased down Bradwell and produced an excellent challenge to avert the danger. The match ended in controversy as Freddie Daws, who had chased every ball and tackled like a terrier throughout the match, was felled by a recklessly high challenge from Gladwin, and left the pitch with blood streaming from a head wound. The Dronfield player was shown a red card.