A tired Newport side gave their all at Beatrice Avenue yesterday evening (Thursday, March 21), but ultimately fell short to an energised Folland side in the Wessex League.

Port’s opponents had not been in action for over a week, when Vics travelled and fell 3-0, and had enjoyed a weekend off, 

Meanwhile, for Newport, kick-off came just 48 hours after they were thrashed 5-0 away at Millbrook on Tuesday night.

Newport 0 – 2 Folland Sports

Under the lights at Beatrice Avenue, it was the Islanders who played most of the football, with some clever neat close-range passing, but too often it broke down in the final third.

Scott Barron hit the crossbar from a tight angle and struck the post, but during the rest of the first half, Port’s efforts were wasted.

Folland were always able to get a block in, and the mainlanders defended set pieces well but offered very little going forward in the first 45.

The second half started the same, with Joe Butcher forcing a good stop from the visiting keeper, which was matched in the home goal when Leon Pitman pushed a well-struck free-kick around the post. 

With around 20 minutes to go, Newport were starting to tire, and Folland seized their opportunity.

In the 81st, a good move down the visitor’s left saw them strike the important first blow.

Port attempted to push for a deserved equaliser, but there was one last sucker punch when a long ball over the top saw Folland grab a second. 

Up next for Newport, AFC Aldermaston travel to Beatrice Avenue for a 3pm kick-off tomorrow.