Two in a row for Blues.

With two wins and two clean sheets in the space of four days, Newark move up to 11th place and are displaying an attractive brand of football that was lacking in the first few weeks of the season. Clay Cross created the first chance of the match with Matthews curling his effort just wide following a swift break downfield, but it didn’t take long for the Blues to take control. Sam Wilford was the chief architect, controlling midfield, and playing insightful passes to release Calum Fraser and Dom Swingler up front. Fraser and Swingler both saw efforts drift wide after receiving the ball in dangerous positions and Wilford also volleyed wide after latching onto a long punt from Chris Riley. Alex Hales also smashed a shot over following a neat lay off from Swingler but the lack of killer instinct in front of goal nearly came back to haunt the Blues as Clay Cross enjoyed their best period of the match. Their main attacking threat came from set plays, as Goodwin shot against the post after Newark failed to clear from a corner, Matthews couldn’t quite get his feet in the right position to take advantage of the rebound. Moments later, another corner kick was fiercely headed on target by Booker, with Riley doing very well to beat the shot away. Goodwin’s follow up effort was blocked and Newark were able to clear. After weathering the storm, the Blues took a 36th minute lead their earlier play had richly deserved. Reece Self collected the ball 25 yards out and struck a confident shot into the corner which left the keeper rooted to the spot. Wilford could have doubled the advantage before the break after a brilliant pass from Fraser found the midfielder through on goal. His delicate lob over the keeper landed agonisingly on the top of the net.
Newark struck a crucial blow in the 51st minute, as Fraser used his strength to direct the ball towards goal from a corner kick. Parsons was on hand to bundle over the line from close range. The Blues couldn’t quite replicate the sparkling football of the first half, but they still created chances against tired opponents with Self unlucky to see a shot bounce off the post. Swingler also missed a couple of chances with the keeper forced to save a low effort with his legs. Newark’s defence remained resolute throughout, marshalled by the strength and aerial presence of Parsons. Clay Cross became increasingly frustrated as the match went on and caused Riley few problems in the latter stages.
Tony Joynes was pleased with the recent upturn in form, but identified the side’s failure to put away a higher percentage of chances in front of goal as an area to target.
“We should definitely have put more chances away in the first half, which would have made the second half a lot more comfortable. But to get another clean sheet is very satisfying. Now lads are making themselves available and we have a settled side we’re playing a lot better football,” he said.

Report by Rick Lane