Mens 2s
Men’s 2s v Lichfield
Newark travelled to Lichfield with only 11 players and soon became to regret not having a substitute available as Nigel Bett got injured inside the first 10 minutes leaving Newark to play the rest of the game a man down. To also go with this Tom Broome picked up a green and yellow card in separate incidents leaving Newark with 9 men on the pitch for part of the match. However this was not to get Newark down and if anything the whole team worked harder than ever to keep the Lichfield attacks to a minimum with the odd breakaway to cause the Lichfield defence some concerns. Throughout the 1st half Newark kept Lichfield away from goal and limited to short corners and reverse side shots and anything the defence missed Ben Bradley in goal tidied up. With Seb Hufton, Ciaran Louge, James Barker and Simon Higgs working hard in defence the hard work from the midfield (Steve Littlewood, Tom Broome, Tim McManus and Ben Eagles) and sole attacker (James Beedham) made Lichfield more and more desperate and disappointed that they weren’t scoring the goals they clearly expected too. Newark held firm until the final five minutes when a rash challenge by Ben Bradley in goal saw a penalty flick awarded and through his protestations found himself a green card soon followed by a yellow leaving Newark to face a flick and last 5 minutes without a recognised keeper an only 9 players on the pitch. Captain Simon Higgs went in goal with helmet and hand pads only to face the flick and after a poorly taken flick easily saved it and then went onto to see out the rest of the game including the last heart stopping reward of a penalty corner which Lichfield managed only to drag over the goal. Leaving Newark to claim a well earned draw. M.O.M:- Simon Higgs
Mens 1s
Newark welcomed Nuneaton this week who were one of only two teams previously this season to take points off of Newark, the game started with Newark controlling the play moving the ball well around the back four and started to probe the Nuneaton defense for holes but they held strong for long periods of time limiting the chances Newark created.
Both Newark Strikers came close in the first half but only managed to fire the ball wide of the goal, this only spurred Newark on more and they kept pressing Nuneaton back into there own half for the remainder of the first half. Newark started the second half as the finished the first and held position for long periods of times, it took 20 minutes into the half for Newark to find the break through they need with Scott Robinson found space on the penalty spot to fire the ball calmly under the keeper putting Newark ahead. This made the game more open as Nuneaton pushed for the equaliser but Newark created more and more chances but were unable to get the ball over the line again but held out for the 1-0 win, securing there place at the top of the league & realistically ending Nuneaton's challenge for the title.
Coach Paul Halfpenny commented "Another great win. We knew it was it was going to be a close game & the guys performed like champions to ensure all 3 points. We were by far the better team & controlled the game for long periods, can we now dare to dream !!! Goals Scott Robinson Mom Sam Smith
Ladies 1s
Newark 1's kept up the pressure on their local rivals by hitting six at Redhill, Millie Hill scoring a hat trick with Becky Wells, Katherine Hawkins and Kate Lambert also finding the net. Millie Hill had a standout performance, scoring a hat trick and receiving a well deserved player of the match. Newark had moments of great passing which resulted in team goals. Overall a good game to dust of the cobwebs after having so many matches cancelled due to the weather.