It was a far from vintage performance from the Blues, but they showed enough quality when it mattered to secure the three points as they ended the evening in seventh place. They started the match in confident manner, and Dom Swingler should have opened the scoring in the 3rd minute after picked out at the far post by Reece Self. His first time shot lacked composure however, as he blasted over when only a couple of yards out. Newark’s strong start was rewarded in the 7th minute, as Tom Mallinson played a perfectly weighted through ball to Fraser, who took the ball round the keeper before calmly slotting into the back of the net. Glapwell almost responded straight away, after a defensive error gave the visitors possession deep in the Blues’ half. The ball eventually found Hall who curled his effort inches wide. The quick passing football which served Newark so well against Clay Cross Town on Saturday appeared to desert them, but they were still far the better side against their struggling opponents. Sam Gregory in particular put in a strong performance, snuffing out what little attacking threat Glapwell posed. Newark’s best chance to double their advantage before the break fell to Swingler, who took the ball round the keeper after latching onto a loose ball, but his shot lacked power and the defender was able to intercept before it could cross the line.
Town’s dominance continued after the break, with Fraser having a header saved low following good work from Swingler down the right. Substitute Ben Porter almost made an immediate impact as he volleyed just wide of the post from long range. He also set up Fraser, who thumped an effort against the bar as Newark searched for the goal which would kill the game off. Newark eventually added a second in the 89th minute as Sam Wilford controlled well before crossing low to Fraser, who tucked his shot into the corner with ease. With the last kick of the game, Luke Parsons went desperately close to adding a third after striking a thunderbolt of a 40-yard free kick against the post with the keeper motionless.
There was a first appearance for new-signing Sean Fulcher, who impressed after slotting into a midfield role early in the second half following his recent move from Ollerton Town. Striker James Munson also signed transfer forms from the same club, giving Tony Joynes more attacking options to choose from in the coming weeks. Joynes has a more positive outlook than he did a few weeks ago, and is pleased with the squad he is assembling. “Obviously I’m happy with another win and a clean sheet, and although we didn’t put away all our chances again it was another good performance. We’re finally building a squad together that can cause problems. Calum Fraser had a really good match, and Sean Fulcher put in a promising performance on his debut.”