This in from Newport IW Football Club. Ed
For the opening match of the season, Newport included three debutants, Josh Maloney, Ryan Thomas and Jimmi Burton in their starting line up.
Verwood kicked off attacking the Shide end, but Newport were quickly in their stride with both Ryan Thomas and Connor Kelly firing in shots in the first four minutes.
Just when it looked as if Verwood had weathered the storm, Newport took the lead on 24 minutes when Josh Maloney turned and drove the ball into the net from 20 yards. Newport continued to have more possession as the pacey attack troubled the Verwood defence.
Verwood counter-attacked and a free kick from Jordan Fisk deflected just wide of the post. Their equaliser came on 44 minutes when a defensive error allowed Jack Swann a clear run on goal and he slotted the ball low to Cameron Farley’s right. Newport had looked the better team in the first half but the late equaliser allowed Verwood back into the match.
HT: Newport IW 1-1 Verwood Town
Within a minute of the restart Verwood had taken the lead when they were allowed to work the ball down the right before firing it low across the face of the goal where Jack Mills, unmarked at the far post, steered the ball into the net.
The goal seemed to deflate Newport as the dominance of the first half wilted away. Verwood were able to restrict Newport to long range shots that missed their target.
Newport made their first change on 67 minutes when Spike Pearce replaced Ryan Thomas in midfield. Verwood made a double substitution bringing on Russell Dyer and Tyler Rutten for Jack Mills and Joe Wood. Liam Triggs received a yellow card for a robust tackle. Verwood’s final substitution saw Jordan Fisk give way to Aaron Atkinson. On 82 minutes, Mat Novak replaced Jimmi Burton. Martin McDonough received a yellow card for upending Aaron Atkinson.
The match meandered to a close and Newport must hope that the first half performance will reappear for Tuesday’s visit from Horndean.
FT: Newport IW 1-2 Verwood Town
Newport IW from: Farley, Newbold, Oatley, Triggs, McDonough, Sampson, Powell, Thomas (Pearce), Burton (Novak), Maloney
Verwood Town from: Lynch, Evans, Brimson, Kelly, Domachy, Gajic, Mills (Dyer), Swann, Wood (Rutten), Groves, Fisk (Atkinson).
Referee / Match Officials:
Matthew Russell
