Competition: Central Midlands League Nothern Division
Scorer: Stef Radley (44)
We have always had a game at Collingham on our bucket list - a new ground is always a bit of a treat. Richard "Wanderer" Lane was on the gate to greet us - we had promised Richard we would take in a game at Collingham - although we chose one where the attendance of 26 was among the lowest of the season.
Newark went to Easington on 22nd March and were comfortable 5-2 winners, so we had hopes of a decent home win. Alas it was not to be. The visitors defended superbly, and Newark were a little goal-shy, although failing to convert two penalties usually costs dearly, and so it proved on this occasion.
We were not up to speed with the personnel on either team, so it was with some relief that they were displayed on a whiteboard just outside the club house.
We went to have a chat with Richard's son Rickie who was the designated match reporter, and were amazed at the racket emanating from the changing room area! Music so loud that the Officials were openly relieved to get onto the pitch.......no idea which team were guilty, but what a row!!!
The first half was in all honesty, not very entertaining, although United keeper Charlie Dixon was called into action far more than his Newark counterpart. Gary Richmond was only playing because regular home keeper Chris Riley was absent, after being ever-present so far this season.
Easington scored in the 44th minute when a long ball out to the right found STEF RADLEY in space, and as Richmond raced out to challenge, he was left stranded on the edge of the box as the no. 11 stepped round him and fired into the far corner.
Seconds after the restart, Referee Paul Dixon awarded the home team a penalty after a Newark player was tripped in the box. Up stepped defender Alex Hales to take the kick, but the effort was fairly tame and at just the right height for Dixon to dive and push away. H-T 0-1
We joined Richard for a tea and biscuits at half-time - very welcome, thank you!
Newark had a chance to draw level in the first minute of the second half, but George Pearce failed to hit the target with his header from J C McDonald's corner kick.
The game was now almost all Newark, but the visitors back-line remained solid. Their skipper Sam McLaughlin was a rock in the heart of the defence and was easily the best player on the pitch.
Hales had a great chance to make amends for his penalty failure on 85 after he was picked out superbly at the far post by Arron Martin. It looked a simple chance, but Hales somehow managed to strike the ball wide of the upright.
With a minute of regulation time left, Newark were awarded another penalty, this one for a handball by Jordan Bart. The defender will feel a little hard done by as he was actually on the floor as the ball struck his hand.
Centre-back Luke Parsons lined up the spot-kick and was foiled by yet another diving save by Dixon. F-T 0-1
Admission: £3
Programme: courtesy Richard Lane
Attendance: 26
MOM: Sam McLaughlin
Pics/video: Kev Goodman
