The result leaves a sixth place finish the most likely outcome for the Blues with just two games left to play.
Dom Swingler, returning to the starting line-up following a long layoff through injury, went closest in the opening stages, as his shot was tipped over the bar by Andy Topham. However Clay Cross soon began to cause Newark problems, and it wasn’t long before they took the lead as Ben Goodwin saw his shot well saved by Gary Richmond, only for Josh Clayton to bundle in the rebound in the 9th minute.
Clay Cross scored a second three minutes later. A long ball forward found Ant Lynam, who surged past Sean Fulcher before slotting into the corner with ease. At this point every attack from the visitors looked likely to produce a goal as they used width to great effect, pulling defenders out of position.
The third goal came in the 20th minute, with Lynam latching onto another long ball, before drilling a low shot into the corner. The panic in the Newark defence at this stage was very noticeable, and they were fortunate not to concede more in the early stages. As the half wore on they gained enough composure to handle the robust attacking play, as they set about finding a way back into the match.
Arron Martin provided the spark to give Newark a lifeline on 37 minutes, producing a strong individual run before striking his effort in off the post. However they were fortunate not to concede a fourth before the break, as Lynam found himself in acres of space in the area. He rounded Richmond, but Alex Hales was on hand to produce an excellent block on the line to deny the striker his hat trick.
The second half was less frantic than the first, with Newark unable to create many clear chances to put the pressure on their opponents. Substitute James Munson went very close in the 68th minute, but he fired his header over the bar from close range with the goal at his mercy.
Newark did eventually score an equaliser three minutes into added time at the end of the match, as Reece Self volleyed smartly into the corner, but it was too little too late as they surrendered their grip on fifth place.
Tony Joynes reflected on the opening exchanges which all but condemned the Blues to defeat. He said “The first 20 minutes were devastating. Going three down so early on is hard to claw back. They had far too much time for all three goals. Now I just don’t want to see this season fizzle out,”

Report by Rick Lane