Newport Face One Final Push For Promotion

Friday, 22 April 2022 06:53

Newport penalty hero, goalkeeper Gary Streeter. Picture by Dean Rayner

Newport manager Steve Brougham has called on his leg-weary players to make ‘one final push’ in tomorrow’s (Saturday) Wessex League Division One play-off final showdown, against Laverstock and Ford.

After the drama of extra time and a penalty shoot-out in the semi-final victory over Folland Sports on Wednesday evening, Newport will go into tomorrow’s game at Smallbrook Stadium as favourites to earn their place in the Premier Division, after an absence of several seasons.

But the Island side will not be under-estimating the threat of Laverstock, who snatched the last remaining play-off place, following an impressive end-of-season run that included a win over Newport on the mainland.

Steve said:

“In fairness, Laverstock deserve to be there, so it is going to be another tough game for us. But we have come this far, so it is all about that one final push to get us back into the Premier Division. We did well in the semi-final, and were able to pat ourselves on the back. But now we have to forget about that, and just get the job done.”

Steve’s only concern for the final is that a couple of his players picked up injuries in midweek, and will face late fitness tests, while others may be unavailable due to prior commitments. And all his players will need to make a quick recovery from the rigours of playing 120 minutes, and then going through the penalty-shoot out drama on Wednesday.

Steve said:

“Although we have a fairly small squad compared with other teams in the division, the lads who are available just need to be ready for it, whoever is in the starting line-up.”

Newport go into the final with an impressive record of 17 victories and only one defeat in their 18 home league games this season, while Laverstock have won 10, drawn four and lost four on their travels.

(Newport v Folland Sports at Smallbrook Stadium. Picture by Dean Rayner)

Steve continued:

“It is an advantage to be at home, and we have to take it. That was certainly the case for the semi-final, because we would not have have fancied going to Folland, so hopefully home advantage will come into play.

“We beat Laverstock at our place earlier in the season, but we went over there a few weeks ago and got beaten. By coincidence, after that defeat we got back on track, and that gave us the confidence to get this far. And that confidence is still with us.”

Steve added:

“It was great to have the support of a good crowd for the semi-final and hopefully everyone enjoyed the evening, and will be back again, cheering us on in the final. I firmly believe that if we can win this last game, and step up to the Premier Division, we will be good enough to stay there.”

The game kicks off at 3pm, and must be decided on the day, with extra time and another penalty shoot-out, if necessary.

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Newport Face One Final Push For Promotion

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