WESSEX LEAGUE DIVISION 1
                                    RINGWOOD TOWN 1, NEWPORT 3
NEWPORT went straight to the top of the league — but they can count themselves fortunate to have taken all three points against a Ringwood Town side who will feel hard done by to come away with nothing from the game.

But the win sets things up nicely for Saturday’s clash of the top two — against Bemerton Heath Harlequins at their temporary home, Smallbrook Stadium, which has been a fortress this season.

Joe Hancott, who was making his debut for Port, and Aaron Burford, with surging runs forward, gave the hosts problems early on.

But it was Ringwood who took the lead on 30 minutes, with Joe McCormack then saving well on 38 minutes to keep it at a goal down.

Isle of Wight County Press: Joe Craig, right, celebrates his wonder goal with Newport team-mate, Spike Pearce. Photo: Ian MiddlebrookJoe Craig, right, celebrates his wonder goal with Newport team-mate, Spike Pearce. Photo: Ian Middlebrook

Just as both sets of managers were formulating in their heads what kind of team talk to deliver in their changing rooms at half-time, Newport levelled spectacularly, thanks to a goal of the season candidate from Joe Craig — a powerful strike from the edge of the box, to send the travelling support wild.

Newport came out more focused in the second half.

Burford forced a good one-handed save from the keeper, then Connor Kelly made a great run down the left and found Craig, who turned well and struck the ball with venom, which was well saved. 

Isle of Wight County Press: Connor Kelly on the attack for Newport against Ringwood Town. Photo: Ian MiddlebrookConnor Kelly on the attack for Newport against Ringwood Town. Photo: Ian Middlebrook

When one of the Ringwood players was sin-binned, Joe Butcher came on and made an instant impact.

Finding space on the right, he surged upfield and played in Craig to grab his second and give Port a vital lead on 78 minutes.

Ringwood tried hard to find an equaliser, but Newport remained rock solid and defiant at the back — repelling everything thrown at them.

Then in the dying seconds of added time, when Ringwood threw evryone forward in a desperate search for a dramatic equaliser, Hancott latched on to a Newport clearance to slot home and make it a dream debut. 

Newport line-up: McCormack, Hughes, Hancott, Burford, Pearce, Triggs, Kelly, McDonagh (capt), Craig, Younie. Subs: Butcher, Hards, Reynolds, Harper.

(Many thanks to Jenny Holmes for her contribution to the report)