Newark Town Ladies beat Belper to earn their first victory in East Midlands Regional League Division 1 North since promotion

Newark Town Ladies have their first points on the board since winning promotion to Step 6.

They’re off the mark in Division 1 North of the East Midlands Regional League after a 3-0 home victory over Belper on Sunday.

Jess Hogg broke the deadlock, Kate Waddell scored her first Blues goal and Kirsty Naismith made it three.

Newark’s midfield featured players at different ends of the age range, with 37-year-old player-of-the-match Rachel Phillips lining up alongside 16-year-old Myah King.

“It was a very good performance and a clean sheet for the team, which is a massive boost for us,” said boss Alvin Sheldon.

“We really played well. The score was 3-0 and it could have been many more.

“We did miss quite a few chances but the fact we’re creating these chances is really good. It was a good day for us. I was over the moon.”

Newark make the long trip to Cleethorpes this Sunday (2pm).

Sheldon added: “We’re going into the game pretty confident and feel we can get some points there as well. There’s a really good vibe around the team at the minute.”

The development team beat Cotgrave 5-0 thanks to Ellie Stanbridge’s double and goals from Maggie Walsh, Erin Daniels and Levana Haggerty. Rosie Gilbert took the player-of-the-match award.