Derby contest sees Newark Town and Harrowby draw 1-1 in the United Counties League Division One competition

r.currell@iliffepublishing.co.uk

Published: 08:04, 26 February 2024

A derby saw both teams walk away with a point after Newark Town and Harrowby United drew 1-1 in the United Counties League Division One fixture on Saturday, (February 24).

Third placed Blues welcomed the Arrows who sit in sixth position to the YMCA Activity village with a crowd of 228 turning up to watch the match.

Harry Wakefield started on the field after an impressive debut the week before against Rainworth.

Harry Wakefield was back in action after scoring on debut last week. Image: Rob Currell

Newark Town captain Lewis Chambers was back in action and took the armband for the game.

The Blues took to the field and initially looked like the stronger side as they took it to Harrowby.

The game settled into a more even rhythm and would remain goalless for most of the first-half.

An elated Ryan Smith backs up as he watches Lewis Chambers goal strike the net. Image: Rob Currell.

Chambers would change that in the 42nd minute after receiving a lovely ball from Josh Randall and beating the Harrowby keeper.

Minutes later both teams walked off the field at half-time to the hosts leading by the single goal.

The second period was another closely contested affair before Joe Braithwaite was given a straight red for an incident in the 64th minute.

Braithwaite went back to the changing rooms reducing his side to ten men.

Harrowby fought back and equalised in the 83rd minute to square the game at 1-1 thanks to a goal from substitute Toby Lee.

Alex Hales was awarded the man-of-the-match for Newark for his efforts.

The game ended 1-1 in a close fought derby.

“The game was what I thought it would be,” said Newark manager Luke Parsons.

“Both teams left everything out there.

“I thought our lads were superb all game and they left it all out there.

“Up until the game changing decision, I thought we were the better team.

Harrowby clear the ball in the game against Newark Town.

“We managed to get a goal before half-time and we were ahead at the break.

“It made the team talk easier at half-time.

“I didn’t see the incident that caused the red card.

The Harrowby keeper makes a save. Image: Lincssnapper Photography.

“We will have another tricky game next when we travel to Saffron Dynamo, it would be great to see some fans follow us down there.”

The match against Saffron Dynamo will take place in Cosby, Leicester (kick-off 3pm).

Harrowby will also have a game on Saturday as they host Radford (kick-off 3pm).

Football Rob Currell