Newport surrender unbeaten league record in poor game

NEWPORT were missing their top scorer Jared Wetherick as they slipped to their first league defeat of the season in Sydenhams Wessex Division 1 on Saturday.

It was a poor game, but one the visitors looked more likely to win.

Joe Craig (in yellow) in action for Newport against United Services Portsmouth at St George's Park on Saturday.

There was very little first half action and no goals, but George Holmes was unlucky to see his cracking 30-yard free kick superbly tipped over by the visiting keeper.

The major talking point towards the end of the first half followed a Newport corner.

Newport's George Holmes (in yellow) in action against United Services Portsmouth.

Holmes appeared to be wrestled to the ground in the penalty area, with supporters behind the goal claiming he was struck by an opposing player while trying to free himself.

Newport looked toothless in attack, clearly missing the goal threat of Wetherick.

Newport's George Holmes (in yellow) in action against United Services Portsmouth.

They were eventually punished on 53 minutes when a mistake in midfield saw the ball played through to visitors’ striker, Harry Potter, in plenty of space for him to duly weave some magic down the right and fire past keeper Ryan Hall into the far corner.

Newport's George Holmes (in yellow) in action against United Services Portsmouth.

With 11 minutes left, a well directed header put US Portsmouth striker Lewis Beale through one-on-one with Hall and he made no mistake as he lashed it home.

Late on, Darren Powell tried his luck from 20 yards, but the crowd’s groans as it sailed well wide summed up tepid Newport’s day.

Joe Craig, in action for Newport against United Services Portsmouth at St George's Park.

Newport: Hall, Taylor, Lamb, Yates, Pearce, Sampson, Powell,Triggs, Craig, Holmes, Fleming. Subs: Baron, Potts, Wren.