Newport County are the Blue Square South champions after Monday night’s 2-0 home win over Havant and Waterlooville.
4,221 fans flocked to Spytty Park to witness two goals from Sam Foley that took the Exiles back to the conference for the first time since 1989.
It was a wonderful evening for the County faithful and the final whistle saw a mass pitch invasion as the fans celebrated in front of the players in the directors’ box.
Newport almost enjoyed the perfect start when Craig Reid, the most prolific striker in the league this season, beat the offside trap and struck a right-footed shot from the right-edge of the penalty area against the left post.
But the opening goal came not long after and settled any stage-fright nerves that the players may have had after recent disappointing performances at home.
Danny Rose held up a Wayne Turk pass and waited for Jamie Collins to arrive on the overlap down the left wing. Collins dribbled up to the by-line, beating the right-back and sent over a teasing cross to the back post where Foley rose to head home from inside the six-yard box.
Foley grabbed his second, scoring the goal that clinched the championship came mid-way through the second half. Rose delivered a corner from the left which the Havant goalkeeper misjudged. He was caught off his line and the header from Garry Warren looped over him only to be cleared off the line but only as far as Foley who, lurking on the edge of the six-yard box, side-footed into the back of the net.
It was Foley’s 17th goal of the season and 12th of 2010 – an amazing recent run. The remainder of the game passed with few chances but with the ground in complete party mood, sparking wild celebrations when the referee ended the match. Players were hoisted up on supporters’ shoulders as they hailed the men who had returned their club to where they feel they belong.
It has taken a long stay in Exile, many thought it would never happen, but Newport County are back in business and will be playing Blue Square Premier football next season.
By Alex Winter
