Last-gasp leveller denies 1sts
Nick Crouch’s brace wasn’t enough for Newark Men's 1sts, who conceded a late goal to snatch a draw from the jaws of victory as their stop-start to the season continued in a 3-3 score at Oundle.
Newark put up a spirited performance against the team top of the league and who had yet to concede a goal.
Skipper Ben Brown gave his team the perfect start when his well-struck shot from the top of the circle left the Oundle keeper wrong-footed and unable to save.
But the hosts caught Newark out on a rare foray into the Green’s half, resulting in a penalty corner that was converted into the goal more through luck than judgement.
Newark fought back strongly and good play down the right from Josh Dixon and Scott Robinson found Crouch alone in the circle to bundle home.
The marksman scored his second soon after, when Adam Holland had enough space to drive a precise pass into Crouch’s path to add Newark’s third.
Sally Davies’ men had their best chance of the second-half when Josh Dixon danced past several Oundle players before playing in Scott Robinson, whose pin-point pass to the far post was nearly converted by Benjie Groome.
That miss proved costly as Oundle clawed a goal back with a drag-flick that went in off the underside of the bar to spark the comeback, although Newark still created chances.
Rob Logan scored for Newark, only for the referee to award a penalty corner.
Newark were unable to hang on to their lead as Oundle scored on the break to ensure a point apiece for the teams.
Newark have won and drawn one game and lost two in their first four league games.
They will look to get an unbeaten run going when they host Long Buckby on Saturday (1.30pm).
Newark Men’s 2nds 5
Tamworth Men’s 2nds 0
Hotshot Steve Littlewood scored twice as Newark enjoyed an easy victory to move to the top of the table.
John Reynolds started the rout, before Littlewood fired the ball into the roof of the net, and then added his second.
The fourth goal proved controversial. A long corner was awarded to Newark while Tamworth thought a 16-yard hit was given and the ball was played quickly into the circle where James Watkins scored.
Tamworth improved after the break but Newark, who lost Simon Sloan to a head injury, added one more through Nick Southall.
