Newport County are set to be crowned Blue Square South champions after Friday evening’s 1-0 victory over Bishop’s Storford.
Kerry Morgan’s goal in the very first minute was enough to take Newport to 85 points for the season – a tally no other team can eclipse. One more point will confirm the Exiles as league winners.
The biggest crowd for 22 years packed into Spytty Park – causing the kick-off to be delayed. The 3,084 created a wonderful atmosphere but the home side scrapped to a narrow victory.
The special evening began in fine style with a neat opening goal. Danny Rose was played in down the right channel; he flicked over a perfect cross for Morgan to place a header beyond the reach of the goalkeeper.
Bu that was the extent of the excitement for the evening as County failed to capitalise on their encouraging start. Perhaps the Exiles are feeling the pressure of playing in front of their expectant home supporters because they certainly haven’t reached the excitement of the football they have produced in recent away matches at Spytty Park.
Neither side were able to create any clear cut chances and but for two long-range efforts by County that drifted wide and a Bishop’s Storford free-kick, the half was largely uneventful.
The second period livened up briefly with the visitors nearly equalising after a flowing move down the right flank before a rebounded ball was headed back across the Bishop’s Storford six-yard box but Sam Foley could only direct his header directly at the goalkeeper.
It must be frustrating for County that they haven’t hit their straps on home turf for a while but on Monday night, a single point can properly begin the promotion party.
By Alex Winter
Alex is a journalism student and edits the Gloucestershire cricket blog, The Shire Blog
