NEWPORT'S loss at St George's Park — 3-0 against Brockenhurst — sadly confirmed the Isle of Wight side's relegation from the Sydenhams Wessex Premier League last night (Tuesday).
After a miserable season, 'Port are currently second bottom, having won only six games from 39 — and one in all competitions from the last 21.
They will be playing Division 1 football next season, with derby matches against East Cowes Vics.
In last night's game, Newport went a goal down after 37 minutes — an unstoppable volley that gave home keeper, Gary Streeter, no chance.
Newport's Connor Kelly in action against Brockenhurst last night (Tuesday)
On 54 minutes, with Newport pushing for an equaliser, they were hit with a classic sucker punch on the counter-attack.
Brockenhurst finished the game off on the hour mark with a clever lob over the despairing dive of Streeter.
Newport boss, Derek Ohren, was being philosophical about the club's future after last night's crushing loss.
He said: "It was a bitter disappointment, but relegation was inevitable after the way this season has gone.
"We could throw up all kinds of excuses about the difficulties we've faced this season, but at the end of the day, we simply weren't good enough.
"There is a good possibility I may stay on next season, but I won't make any decisions on that until Saturday.
"Since I came back to the club, I have been working with a good bunch of young lads who have put in the effort. Even our senior players are not very old either. They've been turning up each week knowing they are on a hiding to nothing.
"We may have lost three games of our four this week, but I can't fault the effort of the players.
"Every game they play, they will gain experience, which is better than anything you could never get off the training ground."
Mr Ohren used the opportunity to take a swipe at some of those in the squad he felt had not shown 100 per cent commitment to the cause.
"In a way, what has happened will galvanise the club, but a lot of work will need to be done — things will need to be different," he said.
"If anyone signs on for the club, they should know what they are signing up to.
"If I am the manager next season, I will be expected to turn up for 44 games, and in turn, I would expect the players to do so too.
"We've got to be positive and allow the players to express themselves and I'm sure Newport will come back stronger."
- For a full report on the game, see this Friday's County Press.
Newport: Streeter, Turkington, Lamb, McDonough, Charlesworth, Newbold, Radford, Kelly, Wetherick, Urry, Powell. Subs: Butt, Holmes, Potts.
House Rules
We do not moderate comments, but we expect readers to adhere to certain rules in the interests of open and accountable debate.
Read the rules here