Unbeaten records intact

The two top teams in the North division kept their unbeaten records intact as this eagerly awaited encounter ended all square. As the majority of local matches fell victim to the atrocious weather, the conditions at Phoenix Park were remarkably good, providing an excellent surface for a pulsating 90 minutes.
Town were without Craig Bridge, who failed a late fitness test, and George Asplin, while there was a place on the subs bench for Daryl Price.
The Blues got off to the perfect start as in the second minute Lewis Chambers was pushed in the Dinnington penalty area, getting up to convert the penalty himself. Any thoughts that this might have a negative effect on the opposition were quickly dispelled as playing quick, direct football they began to exert pressure on the Newark defence. They went close on 11 minutes as Dronfield drove a ball across the area which was cleared with difficulty. Three minutes later the scores were level Golland striking the ball past Nathan Burrows following indecision by the Blues’ defenders. Newark were being given no time to settle on the ball and as the attacks increased in intensity James Evans was forced to hack the ball behind for a corner as Sedgwick threatened before Burrows saved well with his feet from Barlow. It seemed almost inevitable that a second goal was coming and it arrived on 22 minutes as Barlow headed home at the end of a move which he had started. As Newark finally began to stem the tide, Steve Carty sent in a ball from wide on the left, Chambers’ header bringing a diving save from keeper Branch. As play switched ends Burrows pulled off an outstanding one handed save to deny Cain before the scores were levelled on 35 minutes, Tyler Martin’s 25 yard shot taking a deflection off Golland to deceive the keeper. It could have been even better a couple of minutes later, Martin inches away from connecting with a raking cross from Danny Boulton.
Newark were under early pressure in the second half the defence, in which Rhys Lewis was outstanding, working overtime to snuff out the danger posed by the nippy home attack, sub Dom Sibilski doing particularly well to cut off a threatening run down the right by Evans. The Blues survived vociferous penalty appeals for an alleged handball on the hour and had to stand firm as succession of corners called for some inspired defensive work. Branch then produced a fingertip save to push over a fierce effort from Chambers following a Matt Gamble free kick. Price replaced Boulton, his pace causing the home side problems as Newark produced a number of quick counterattacks. Dinnington were reduced to ten men in the closing stages as Bedford received a second yellow after bringing down Kieran Job and with five minutes to play the numbers were evened up as Evans was given a straight red after bringing down Barlow as he headed for goal. Fortunately the offence was judged by the referee to be outside the area, the resulting free kick coming to nothing.
This was by far the stiffest test Town have faced this season and they will be pleased to have come through it with their unbeaten record still intact. They remain nine points clear of Dinnington, who have played three games fewer, Town having a vastly superior goal difference. The travels continue next Saturday with a visit to Renishaw Rangers who currently lie in fourth place.