Newark Town defeat United Counties League Division One contenders 3-0 at YMCA Activitiy Village, Nottinghamshrie, in what many said was the performance of the season
It was a statement win for Newark Town as they defeated second-placed Clipstone 3-0 in the United Counties League Division One clash at the YMCA last night (Wednesday).
A crowd of 166 turned up to watch The Blues turn it on with what was arguably the performance of the season.
Both sides threw themselves into the game which saw Newark Town captain Lewis Chambers score the first goal 18 minutes after the match started.
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The skipper hit a crafty left footer into the bottom corner after getting some assistance from Jack Beckett.
The shot fooled the keeper and at least one defender as it cascaded into the net.
Chambers speed and grit caused the visitor's defence no end of problems throughout the match.
Clipstone showed their class during the first-half and were still firmly in the game at that stage.
The home side came off the field up 1-0 with the game still anyone's to play for when the second-half kicked off.
The Blues came back on the field with a steely determination to gain more breathing space from their dangerous opposition.
Alex Hales doubled The Blues' lead in the 57th minute when he skirted the ball down low and under the keeper to get on the scoresheet.
The Cobras had their opportunities, however, the Newark defence were like snake charmers as they forced Clipstone to play their game.
The visitors pressured the Newark keeper on occasion, but the snakes were well and truly put back into the basket as they were kept scoreless.
Ryan Smith was brought onto the field for Newark to make his debut and the crowd liked what they saw from number 17 straight away.
In the 81st minute, Smith made a huge impact on the game as he drew in no less than three Clipstone defenders before putting in a beautiful through ball to Sam Wright.
Wright beat a potential shirt grab, and glided the ball back to Elliot King who attacked it with vigour.
Clipstone's defence initially held like a stump as King recoiled back from the blocked shot before fighting forward again.
King's second attempt got around the stubborn defender before sailing past the Clipstone keeper to make it 3-0.
Hales deservingly won the man-of-the-match award for both his goal and his commanding prescence on the field.
He could be heard for much of the game directing the players and calling for calm when required.
"It was a disciplined performance from all of the lads," said a spokesman for Newark Town.
The Blues will now play host again as they welcome Kirby Muxloe on Saturday (kick-off 3pm).
