Newark & Sherwood manager Romaine Graham on first United Counties League Premier Division North win of the season, against Ashby Ivanhoe

Newark & Sherwood claimed their first league win of the season on Saturday.

After starting their United Counties Premier Division North campaign with two draws, they beat Ashby Ivanhoe 2-0 at home.

It was a welcome victory for the Highwaymen, who broke the deadlock with a smart finish from Kieran Cummings three minutes into the second half.

Dior Anderson clinched a deserved victory in the final minute.

The hosts benefited from having a full squad available having missed key men in the early weeks.

“We’d been down on numbers, especially against Harrowby,” said manager Romaine Graham.

“We had four of the starting XI on holiday or away. Lo-and-behold, when we get the lads back, we start winning.

“At any level, you’re going to miss that many players, unless you’re Man City.

“It was good to get a win. Ashby were a good team and we struggled to beat them last season.

“In three or four attempts we managed to beat them towards the end of the season, so it was really good to get a result against them early this season.”

Newark & Sherwood knew they would have to keep prolific striker Simon Grouse quiet to get a result.

Graham stressed the importance of paying close attention to last season’s leading scorer and they got their rewards.

“We managed to keep him at bay,” said the manager.

“I don’t know if I’d go so far as to say we had a plan but basically we said if he’s anywhere near the box, pick him up.

“If they’re crossing the ball, if there’s a player you’re going to mark, it’s him.

“If I’ve got one defender and they’ve got two up top, if you’re going to pick up one of them, make sure it’s him.

“Don’t give him any space in the box because he’s deadly.

“It was putting them on red alert really. He did get one chance, about 20 minutes in, when he got free but he hit the side-netting.”

The quality of Newark & Sherwood’s goals pleased Graham in picking up their first three points.

He added: “KC’s a real threat for us at the minute and we’ve got Toby White, who’s got a wand on him.

“It was a great assist, he’s played the ball from deep in our half and KC, with his sharp movement, has managed to get on it.

“His first touch had to be perfect, which it was, and he was able to slot past the keeper.

“I was buzzing for Dior to get the second goal because he joined us this season and he came off the bench.

“I’ve been telling him to get himself in the box and the ball arrived at his feet and it was a good finish.

“Ashby were going for at it at the time but I back my defence so I always leave attacking players up.”