Newark Town 2 – 0 Crowle Colts

Newark Town 2 – 0 Crowle Colts
Town completed their home programme unbeaten with a less convincing than usual defeat of Crowle Colts, playing their first ever match against the Blues.
There were changes to the home lineup, Jammy Lloyd making his debut after moving across town with Arron Martin returning to the side after his stint in the Falklands and Rhys Lewis partnering Ricky North in the middle of the defence as Luke Parsons rested himself.
There was a lively start to the match both goals having close escapes in the first couple of minutes, visiting keeper Zach Beedle just beating Lewis Chambers to the ball on the edge of the area before Nathan Burrows found himself in a similar position as Kurt Robinson threatened. The visitors proved to be lively opponents, Danny Barrowcliffe firing inches wide of the post before Craig Bridge was in the right place to clear the ball after Burrows found himself out of position on the edge of the area. George Asplin then curled a free kick in a good position narrowly wide of the upright and it was another free kick which resulted in a much needed Town goal in the 36th minute. Craig Bridge was bundled to the ground five yards outside the penalty area by Fox who was booked for the challenge. Bridge took the kick which was flighted perfectly to beat Beedle at the left hand post. Another free kick almost brought a second goal, Arron Martin’s effort causing a mix-up between the keeper and Moulds which was cleared with difficulty.
Ed Munton replaced Arron Martin at the interval as the Blues, now with a stiff breeze in their favour, began to impose themselves on the game. Bridge cleared the bar before interplay between Lloyd and Chambers set up Asplin who saw his shot cleared off the line. Town almost came to grief on the hour as Burrows and Lewis collided, the ball being cleared by North. At the other end, Lloyd robbed Fawcett before supplying Asplin who brought a full length dive from the Crowle keeper. The match was still very much in the balance, Crowle missed a good chance to draw level on 76 minutes, Barrowcliffe heading straight at Burrows’ from close range. Minutes later the same player broke down the right, his cross being slid just wide by Simpson. Newark finally got the all-important second goal two minutes from time from the penalty spot after Lloyd had been fouled. Beedle saved Chambers’ spot kick but the striker was first to the loose ball, scoring at the second attempt.
This wasn’t a vintage performance by any means but the win was the thing as Town enter the closing stages of their season to begin a run of four away games, beginning with a trip to Scunthorpe to face Appleby Frodingham next Saturday.
TEAM – Burrows, A Martin (Munton), Carty, North, Lewis, Wiles (Boddy), Asplin, Lloyd, Chambers, Bridge, T Martin (Price).
Attendance 94