Two narrrow defeats for men’s first team
Newark welcomed back Nick Crouch, but were missing in-form Harry Beedham and Pierre Smets for the first of two defeats in successive day, a 2-1 reverse against Rolls Royce 1sts.
With Craig Joynes and David Colcomb controlling the defence, the hosts were able to sweep the ball wide to wingers Dave Nicholson and Lewis Humphrey in the early stages.
Newark conceded a goal against the run of play and struggled for the rest of the first-half.
Direct running from Adam Holland opened gaps in the visitors’ defence after half-time. Scott Robinson also created chances, before Rolls Royce scored a second on the break.
Ben Brown reduced the arrears with a deft touch past the keeper from inside the circle, but the hosts couldn’t equalise after late pressure.
Newark Men’s 1sts 2
Coalville 3
A LATE goal cost Newark, despite a dominant start led by strong running from Gary Barker and Rob Logan in the centre and the pace of Holland.
Crouch marked his return with the opening goal after his hard shot rebounded off the keeper’s pad.
The game changed with two quick Coalville goals, the first from a penalty corner and the second following a deflection in the D.
Logan’s workrate in the middle of the pitch paid off when he raced past a defender and flicked into the far corner.
Colcomb and Simon Sloane made several last-ditch challenges in the final ten minutes, before Coalville grabbed a late winner.
Newark Ladies’ 2nds 1
Ashfield Aztecs 1sts 1
Newark were confident against a side that had lost all three opening matches in their league campaign.
But after four minutes Ashfield took the lead through an own goal.
The home side levelled when Ann Crockett-McLean’s shot was parried, allowing Anna Hall to score from an acute angle.
Newark were awarded several short corners and Hollie Smallwood had shots saved in the first-half.
In the second-half Susan Tate and Terri McLeod both went close. Smallwood’s reverse-stick shot was well saved.
Young duo Anna Kempster and Becky Wells fought hard in midfield.
