Newark Town : First win in mixed week for the Blues

Interim manager Ricky Hunter remained upbeat as Newark Town followed their first win of the season — a midweek 3-1 success at Dronfield Town Reserves — with a 4-2 home defeat to Brodsworth Welfare.

Town fought back from conceding two early goals to level, only to fall behind again just before half-time.

They created further chances in the second period, but were denied by the Welfare keeper.

Hunter said: “We looked like we would get something out of the game when we got back to 2-2.

“We still played well in the second-half, but were not as intense as in the first.

“Fatigue set in after the hard game in midweek and the lads tired a little, but I could not have asked any more of them.”

'A great response from the players'

Man-of-the-match Leighton Nicholson scored to start the Newark fightback and new-boy Adam Smith made it two goals in as many matches since signing when he levelled.

Smith went off injured at half-time, however, which Hunter said hit the home side.

Under-21 keeper Nathan Davies made his debut for the Central Midlands League North club and was praised by the manager.

Hunter said: “I have had a great response from the players since I took over.

“I am concentraing on getting a team out that can compete in this division and I am positive for the rest of the season.”

Newark Town’s season sparked into life with their first win at Dronfield Town Reserves at the fifth attempt — and their first success of the season, reports Francis Towndrow.

Hunter said after the 3-1 victory last Wednesday: “It was absolutely brilliant. I will certainly sleep well tonight.

“For the first time I had a full squad to pick from with five substitutes — and we still have six players to return.”

After just 90 seconds a bouncing ball played through midfield fell to Adam Smith, who put Newark into the lead with a half-volley from 25 yards.

Dronfield equalised on 14 minutes as Ryan Baxter fired home a well-hit 25-yard shot.

In his first game of the season, Sam Wilford prevented an almost certain goal, taking the ball off the toes of a Dronfield player as he lined up a shot five yards out.

Newark regained the lead on 63 minutes with a fine Leighton Nicholson solo effort.

Pursued by two defenders, he charged into the area and, after two step-overs, fired into the top corner.

Seven minutes from time he released a thunderbolt from a similar position to secure victory.

Town’s Ian Wade and Sean McGuiness marshalled the Blues’ defence well.