Reece Self had earlier equalised with a stunning long-range strike and Blues’ impressive run continues with the team stretching their winning streak to four matches. Despite starting the stronger, Newark conceded their first goal in four matches after just 10 minutes. A free kick bounced over the defence and into the path of Gaz Mundy, who took a touch before confidently shooting past Chris Riley. For a team who have prided themselves on their solid defence, it was a poor goal to concede. Newark enjoyed more of the possession, but their lack of composure in the final third was on show once again, with Dom Swingler and Tom Mallinson providing wayward efforts. There were also too many careless passes, with Brodsworth’s best chances often originating from a Newark mistake. A moment of brilliance drew the Blues level in the 36th minute. Self collected the ball 30-yards out and directed his effort into the top corner giving the goalkeeper no chance. The midfielder is one of the few players to have shown an eye for goal in the early stages of this season. Riley was on hand to deny the home side a second goal before half time; saving low from a Vickerage effort after the defence had been split wide open.
Substitute Chris Dobbie came closest to scoring early in the second half. His drive from inside the area flew inches wide with the goal at his mercy. For the most part the second half was a scrappy and sluggish affair with neither side able to dominate their opponents. Munson made his mark in the 72nd minute. A cross from the right was volleyed against the bar by Dobbie. The ball fell kindly to Munson who managed to scuff his shot past the goalkeeper’s desperate attempt to keep it out. Brodsworth pushed hard for an equaliser towards the end but Newark’s defence held firm, with George Pearce in particular putting in a strong performance at right-back. Joe Fisher screwed a shot wide of the post in the final minute after finding space in the area. The performance wasn’t pretty, but the Blues somehow ground it out to claim the three points.
Tony Joynes was less than happy with the performance, but was ultimately relieved to leave South Yorkshire with all three points. “We struggled to keep the ball today, and it’s a game we could have easily lost. I’m pleased with the way we managed to grind out a result, but against some of the bigger teams we will really need to put in better performances,” he said.
Report by Rick Lane