Newport (IoW) 3–0 Andover Town

Although we don't have a match report ......... we'd like to include a message from one of the team afrer last night's result - thanks to Matt Devereux

"As a current player for the club I'd like to take the opportunity to say something about tonight's game

The players all met at Andover college at 5pm, over half of us still in work uniform as we'd just finished the working day, those who weren’t had booked personal holiday to accommodate the needs of the fixture. Travelled to the ferry port and due to unforeseen circumstances had to take alternative transport to the island (including 2 ferrys, 2 miles of walking and lifts from kind hearted supporters and family members supporting the team on the island)

With the away team kindly agreeing to delay kick off we had 15 minutes to get changed and warm up. within 15 minutes of the game the goalkeeper suffered a nasty injury resulting in the club captain stepping up to go in goal, 2 further injury related substitutions later we found ourselves 2-0 down to a well organised home team who sniffed blood and with our backs against the wall, believed they would take us to the cleaners and some.

However it is worth noting that after surviving the first half with a heavily adjusted line up, we came out in the second half, and gave it our all.

To concede a dubious goal and remain focused, determined and disciplined for 45 more minutes against 14 men (poor officials) on a wet thursday night when we all have work in the morning, doesn't deserve the usual criticism of the regulars on a social media post.

Tonight we fought for each other, and gave probably one of the better displays of being a united team this season.

None of us, including management are paid, but more importantly none of us are satisfied with the results this season, but we dont want anyone to think we dont care. We look forward to building on the positive elements of tonights display and look forward to seeing you all at the Portway on Saturday for an improved performance and a much needed result"