Sleaford Town 3-0 Newark FC: Late goals cancel any chance of comeback

Two injury-time goals put the game out of reach as Newark FC searched for a late equaliser at Sleaford Town.

Newark lost 3-0 on the road to one of the UCL Premier Division North’s form teams as they looked to bounce back from last week’s disappointing 8-0 loss to Loughborough Students.

The hosts came closest in the opening exchanges having rattled the crossbar through Mitchell Griffiths’ cross-turned shot in the 12th minute.

Newark came closest to taking the lead towards the end of the half as a whipped ball flew across the face of goal, but the cross avoided the Newark forwards waiting in the box.

With chances few and far between, it was a huge blow to Paul Rawden’s men when Sleaford’s Ryan Flitton finished with a right-footed effort having galloped up the pitch from left-back.

Newark’s big chance to rescue a point came in the 84th minute, but Newark blasted wide.

Sleaford all but confirmed the victory in the 90th minute when Newark goalie Sam Andrew miskicked the ball, with it landing at the feet of Ryan Rushen who looked up and finished from distance.

A second injury-time goal came when Joe Smith finished having found space inside the box.

Newark have just four league games left this season.

They return to action on Saturday, April 2, as they host league leaders Long Eaton United (3pm kick-off).