FOOTBALLNewport 0, Alresford Town 0
WITH neither side looking like finding the net, the scoreless outcome surprised no-one among the 135-strong St George's Park crowd on Saturday.
Newport’s inability to retain possession was the main factor in their failure to secure three points, with Alresford just as poor.
Moments of frustration led to Ross Gregory and Charlie Smeeton receiving bookings as Newport just could not find any cohesion.
The few chances which did present themselves were spurned and, as the game wore on, many were left wondering just where a goal would come from.
Certainly not from Darren Powell, whose half-hearted attempt in the first half following Smeeton’s dink over the defence summed up the frustration. Nor Tom McInnes whose run onto a Matt Evans through-ball, at the start of the second half, saw him turn inside an Alresford defender only to then be foiled by the keeper.
The game’s most inspired moment, in the 32nd minute, arose for Alresford, when Gallagher’s outswinging shot arrowed just wide of the Newport keeper Jamie Bray’s far post.
The second half was just as drab with a Harry Ovnik free kick curled innocuously around the post perhaps an apt reflection.
Newport boss Derek Ohren brought on Jared Wetherick, Freddie Knowles and James Butt but to no avail as a winner looked out of reach.
It was no surprise to see some Newport fans leave the ground before the final whistle. In all honesty, it was that kind of game.
Newport: Bray, Gregory, Stay, Ovnik, Shepherd, Newnham, Powell, Smeeton, McInnes, Evans, Hart. Subs: Knowles; Wetherick, Butt, O’Connor, Farley.
Poole Town 3, Newport 0
NEWPORT suffered defeat at the hands of table-toppers Poole on Tuesday night
The Dolphins beat Port 3-0 with a goal on half time and two late efforts, leaving the Island side in tenth.
Newport: Bray, Gregory, Shepherd, Ovnik, Insley, Hart, Powell, Smeeton, Newnham, Evans, McInnes. Subs: Knowles, Wetherick, Butt