Newark Town boss Nathan Arnold praises 'perfect performance' after 7-0 win over Sheffield Reserves

Nathan Arnold praised his team for the ‘perfect performance’ as the Blues extended their lead at the top of the Central Midlands League Premier North Division with an accomplished display against a young Sheffield side.

Jonny Wiles made a welcome return to the starting line-up with Rhys Lewis included after being rested for the midweek Notts FA Trophy win at Basford United-21s.

“[Before the Thorne defeat] we were in a position where we were a few points behind,” said Arnold.

“Although we have played more games, we are top with a bit of breathing space and it has been a good period for us.

“We have scored a lot of goals over the last few games and the strikers have really hit form.

“But we really pride ourselves on our clean sheets, and we have been continuing that.

“The only difference is that in recent weeks we have been ruthless in front of goal.”

Both Ainsley Finney and Lewis Chambers scored hat-tricks on Saturday against Sheffield after centre-half Sam Bartle scored his first of the season.

“It was the perfect performance, at least for 60 minutes in terms of converting chances and our overall play,” said Arnold.

“Sometimes it just clicks, and Saturday was one of those days for us.

“We know what is at stake and we have looked at where we should be picking up the points — the last three games (which include fixtures against Retford United and Clay Cross Town) will be difficult for us.

“But there are no easy fixtures when you are at the top.

“There are four teams up there and we should all be playing at the next level, but now it is down to whoever can hold their nerve.

“My message to our group has been to embrace the moment.

“Top of the league will change hands a couple of times between now and the end of the season just because of how the fixtures are set out.

“Thorne (who can go top should they win all of their games in-hand) have got two games a week until the end of the season, Retford have two big cup games, we have a semi-final as well, so it will be an interesting run-in.”

Arnold said despite the league being out of his hands, he wouldn’t change his side’s situation for anybody else’s given the respective run-ins.

On Saturday, a stiff breeze in their favour, Newark attacked from the first whistle and forced Sheffield ‘keeper Owen Oxborough into early action as he pushed Finney’s free-kick round the post.

The visitors were forced into an early substitution as Owen McGourlay limped off to be replaced by Roman Myers.

They then fell behind on 14 minutes, Lewis crossing from the left for Bartle to knock in at the far post — his first goal for the club.

Chambers then looped a shot from out on the right which beat the ‘keeper but bounced off the top of the bar.

The striker wasn’t to be denied for long, getting Town’s second in the 28th minute, firing past Oxborough after Lewis had again opened up the defence.

Newark were in total control and emphasised this in a remarkable spell as Finney completed a whirlwind hat-trick, the first coming on 36 minutes as he rifled the ball home from 25 yards after being set up by Chanju Mphande.

Two minutes later Chambers took advantage of some hesitant defending to reach the line, pulling the ball back for Finney to blast his second past Oxborough.

Finney completed a five-minute treble in the 41st minute, Jackson Buckthorp supplying a delightful through ball for Finney to finish.

The second half was slightly more even, but the Blues dictated most of the play, going further ahead in the 67th minute as Jonny Wiles, who had worked tirelessly in midfield, put Chambers clear of a square defence. The result was inevitable result.

The final goal came on 73 minutes, Buckthorp and Lewis combining well to allow Chambers to complete his hat-trick with his 38th goal of the season.

On Saturday, the Blues welcome local rivals Collingham to the YMCA (3pm kick-off).

It is hoped there will be a bumper crowd due to the fixture falling on the popular Non-League day.