IN EVERY department, Newport played superbly to beat a strong and determined Whitchurch United side on a heavy Beatrice Avenue pitch in East Cowes this afternoon (Saturday).

Newport kept their unbeaten league run going to a ninth game by winning 2-0 to keep them seventh and chipping away at the team's above them in Division 1 of the Sydenhams Wessex League.

A towering Joe Craig header into the top corner gave Newport the lead on seven minutes.

They had to wait until the 74th minute to double their advantage ..... and boy, was it worth the wait!

Connor Kelly picked the ball up mid-way into the Whitchurch half and from 35 yards let fly, which crashed back off the bar and into play, but Kelly was fed the ball almost immediately and from 25 yards he sublimely chipped the keeper, a few yards off his line.

It was perhaps the pick of his 23 league goals this season.

After a quiet first half, Gary Streeter was called into action several times and dealt with shots and crosses solidly.

Cowes Sports, who have improved of late, were beaten 3-2 by mid-table Hamworthy United at Westwood Park.

It is a result which has left the Yachtsmen in deep trouble at the bottom of the Wessex Premier.  

                        TODAY'S RESULTS (SATURDAY)

Sydenhams Wessex League, Premier: Cowes Sports 2, Hamworthy United 3.

Division 1: Laverstick & Ford v East Cowes Vics (postponed); Newport 2, Whitchurch United 0.

Isle of Wight Senior (Gold) Cup, first round: West Wight v Pan Sports (postponed).

Isle of Wight County Press Challenge Cup, second round: Brading Town v Bembridge; Shanklin 0, Binstead & COB 1.

Isle of Wight Memorial Cup, second round: Adgestone v Niton Community (postponed).

The Ken Morris Isle of Wight Junior A Cup: Northwood St John Reserves 4, Binstead & COB Reserves 2.

Isle of Wight Junior B Cup, first round: Pan Sports Reserves v Niton Community Reserves (postponed).

Island League Division 1: Carisbrooke United v ECS (postponed); Sandown 0, Northwood St John 4; Ventnor 0, Whitecroft & Barton Sports 4.

Division 2: Osborne Coburg 1, Seaview 1; Vectis 5, Wootton 3.