Self's goal the highlight as Town share the points

Town had the majority of possession in the early exchanges, but created nothing clear-cut, while at the other end Luke Parsons twice had to be alert to dispossess Neil Spruce as he got into threatening positions. Sam Wilford and James Munson combined well to set up the striker but the ball was hammered out for a throw in. Damon Cassell failed to get any power into his shot after a long ball forward struck Parsons on the back, while Dom Swingler had the same problem in front of the Kinsley goal, a wayward header failing to trouble keeper Andrew Joburns after a well-directed cross from Danny Lee. Chris Riley pulled off a crucial save, going down well to his right after Joe Gorner beat two defenders on the left. A free kick for a foul on Calum Stapleton led to the opening goal on 33 minutes, Kinsley having an extra man on the far post, and the ball falling to Spruce who blasted home despite a valiant attempt from Riley, who got a hand on the ball but couldn’t keep it out. A determined piece of running from George Pearce set up Swingler who forced a corner, from which Sean Fulcher got in a header which was easily held by the keeper. Pearce and Swingler again combined well on the stroke of half time, but the Blues remained toothless in front of goal and the move came to nothing.
Town brought on Calum Fraser for JC McDonald for his first appearance since October, and on 48 minutes were level, Reece Self showing the forwards how to do it as he produced a delightful chip from 25 yards out which cleared Joburns and found the far corner. Riley was called into action again shortly afterwards as a Gorner free kick snaked across the crowded goalmouth and was pushed round the post. Newark were starting to find their players more consistently than had been the case, but the end product was still missing. The awarding of a free kick on the edge of the Kinsley area caused an outbreak of dissent which the amazingly tolerant referee failed to punish, then as play switched ends the visitors missed a golden chance to retake the lead, Spruce failing to get a touch at the far post after Jennings played him in. The introduction of Danny Purves gave the Blues another option on the left flank and a well struck corner gave Fraser a chance, but the header was wide. Kinsley had a good shout for a penalty on 79 minutes as Tom Bryan appeared to pull back Redford, but the referee waved play on, which was the signal for another torrent of abuse from several players. This time his patience ran out, and yellow cards were shown to Jennings, Day and Joburns, who was very fortunate to see out the 90 minutes. Town finished the game on top, Fraser losing his footing as he looked to connect with another Purves cross, and Self straying marginally offside as Fraser played the ball through.

Photo courtesy of Newark Advertiser - by Dave Tully