LAST TIME AT THE FOXCOTTE

Street 1 Port 3

Newport came to New Street for the first time and took all three points, thanks to a strong first half performance. In doing so they took away Street’s unbeaten home record and gained three precious points in the promotion race.

The visitors made much the better start and after Jordi Wilson had dealt well with a corner, they took the lead after just four minutes with a simple but well taken goal. The ball was played down the inside left channel, the defence were caught square, and Connor Kelly confidently slotted the ball past the advancing Wilson.

Almost immediately there was the chance of a similar goal as Kelly broke clear again before he was half stopped by a combination of Wilson and Adam Pearson and then hooked the ball against the post as he fell. Wilson saved another Craig effort at full stretch before the scores were levelled midway through the half when a trademark Rusher cross was turned over the line at the far post by a defender under pressure from Ross Cook.

Andover New Street::

Wilson, Rogers, Wright, Hibberd, Pearson,,, Allen, Lock, Field, Rusher, Davis, Cookk

Newport IOW::

Streeter, Hughes, Lamb, Hancott, McDonough,,, Triggs, Kelly, Younie, Browne, Craig, Butcherk

A Cook header from a Rusher corner hit the side netting before, with ten minutes to go to the break, another simple goal put the visitors back in front. This time, Kelly, who had been the bane of the Street defence in the earlier meeting at Smallbrook, turned provider, pulling the ball back from the by line for Craig to roll the ball into the open net from the edge of the six-yard box. This alone would have given the visitors an advantage going in to the second half but a third goal just before the break put them well in command. Streeter tipped a drive from Rusher over the bar, the corner was cleared, and Craig somehow kept the ball in play on the left before making ground and crossing to give Josh Younie a simple finish.

Newport started the second half as they finished the first with Wilson tipping a free kick over the bar and the resulting corner being cleared with some difficulty before the home side began to enjoy more possession with the wind behind them. Street made the most of a free kick, awarded near the edge of the box, as Pearson headed the ball down for Shane Lock to scramble it over the line with the half almost exactly at its midway point. Street’s cause was not helped by Cook being sent to the sin bin with some ten minutes remaining and the visitors showed their experience in the way they saw the game out.

THE GOALKEEPER: LEON PITMAN

Came through Pompey Academy, eventually on the bench for their first team. Released from Pompey 2021-22, where he played for Portchester and Horndean in the Wessex Premier.

Focused and agile and an asset to the club, where at just 20 years of age he joined the Port as first team keeper at the start of the 2022-23 season.

THE DEFENDER: SCOTT SAMPSON

One of the best defenders in the Wessex Leaguegreat strength and stamina. Good in the air and often seen up front for set- pieces.

Sampson has won the Wessex Premier Division with Blackfield & Langley and a firm Port favourite. NatWest Island Games winner.

THE MANAGER: STEVE BROUGHAM

When Brougham eventually hung up his boots, aged 40, he took on his first coaching role, at Newport, under John Linington, in the Southern League. He then went on to become assistant manager, reaching the semi-final of the Hampshire Senior Cup.

Brading Town came knocking and he joined Phil Moore’s management team — eventually taking charge of the Wessex Premier side, his first job as manager. Then went to manage East Cowes Vics and now returned back at the Port as Manager.

THE MIDFIELDER: LIAM TRIGGS

Former Portsmouth FC Apprentice, Triggs signed professional forms but was then released.

He has played for the Port for many seasons as well as a short spell at Blackfield & Langley. Cultured leftsided player and can play all positions comfortably.

WATCH OUT FOR… CONNOR KELLY

Having joined Port as a young boy, Kelly worked his way through the youth ranks and into the first team, finishing top scorer in the 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons.

He then moved to then Wessex Premier side Sholing, however after a few games into the season Kelly decided to return to Newport putting himself on the score sheet straight away on his return A quick and talented forward, Kelly was inspirational last season and was one of the key performers as the Port finished 3rd in the division and lost to Laverstock in the Play-Off Final.

THE STRIKER: JORDAN BROWNE

Experienced striker back at the club for a second spell after a season at East Cowes Vics where he played more of a midfield role.

Browne has played for Cowes Sports previously after coming through Newport Youth teams. Regular goal scorer and a cool finisher in the box both with his feet and head.