Newark Town manager Luke Parsons says club’s fans have role to play as they aim for promotion from United Counties League Premier Division North

Newark Town fans turned out in numbers for their side’s 3-1 home win over Sleaford on Saturday.

A crowd of 305 were at the YMCA to see Ryan Rushen sink his old club with a hat-trick. There was a great atmosphere, with the visitors also well-supported.

Town boss Luke Parsons believes Blues supporters have an important role to play as the team fight for back-to-back promotions.

“It was good to see we went over the 300 barrier,” said Parsons, whose side are a point outside the United Counties League Premier Division North play-off places in sixth.

“They definitely play a part for our players.

“When they’re behind them, they get another 10% out of our players.

“That’s why I say all the time they’re so important to us.”

Rushen opened the scoring on the half-hour but a mistake was punished as Sleaford levelled just before half-time.

Newark bossed the second half and secured back-to-back league wins with further goals for Rushen on 50 and 72 minutes.

“First half, we probably didn’t get out of first gear in all honesty,” said Parsons.

“We were a bit sloppy in possession and we conceded two good chances to Sleaford from giving the ball away.

“We didn’t make it easy for ourselves but the second half was much improved, we were much more confident on the ball and once we got our second and third, that was game over.”

Key man Luke Andersen had to settle for a place on the bench after missing the League Cup win at Skegness last weekend, as Sam Bartle continued in central defence.

Andersen, a revelation this season as a goalscoring centre-half, isn’t an easy player to leave out but Parsons has to be fair.

“Ando was away on holiday last week and Sam Bartle came in and got voted fans’ man-of-the-match, so he deserved to keep his place,” said Parsons.

“If the season ended today, Ando would be up there for manager’s player-of-the-year and players’ player, so he’s certainly an important player for us.

“I think that shows the strength in depth we’ve got in the squad and the way we do things is honest and fair.

“Sam took the rewards of that and Luke’s got to wait for his chance again.”

Winger Josh Randall, just back from a four-month tour in the Falklands, missed out on a place in the squad.

“He trained well and looked fit,” said Parsons.

“The difficult thing was we had 19 available and with him missing the last four months, I didn’t think it was right to take someone’s spot who’s been there all that time.

“We had a conversation, he was a bit disappointed, but ultimately he’s got to be patient to get back in the squad.

“I’m not sure if he’s available for Skegness away next week but there’ll be a couple of spots up for grabs.”