Hunt success as City catch out Newport
Blue Square South Newport County 0 St Albans City 1 JONATHAN Hunt scored a penalty to give St Albans City victory at Newport County on Saturday in the Blue Square South. Saints were missing the injured Scott Cousins
Blue Square South
Newport County 0 St Albans City 1
JONATHAN Hunt scored a penalty to give St Albans City victory at Newport County on Saturday in the Blue Square South.
Saints were missing the injured Scott Cousins and manager Steve Castle switched Alex Bailey to left back with Lee Protheroe recalled to right back after illness. Paul Hakim returned to the attack having recovered from injury to partner Simon Martin. Winger Rod Hicks was handed a place on the bench alongside midfield dynamo Luke Thurlbourne, back at City on loan from Southend United.
County manager Dean Holdsworth, famous for his goalscoring exploits with Wimbledon in the Premier League, was looking to inspire his side to only their second win of the campaign.
Three games without a goal did not appear to have hindered the Saints as they looked the slicker outfit but once again were unable to convert chances to goals from open play.
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City lost winger Hassan Sulaiman to injury on 25 minutes and he was replaced by Hicks but the visitors remained on top. Strikers Martin and Hakim were unable to take chances during the opening 45 minutes and the sides went in level at the break.
In the second half, Castle utilised his stronger looking bench with Thurlbourne and Cohen introduced. The latter was felled by former Saint Ashley Vickers, on loan at County from Eastleigh, resulting in a penalty. Midfielder Hunt stepped up on 71 minutes and after a lengthy delay converted the spot kick, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.
Hunt had a chance late on to seal the win with a second goal but planted his effort straight at County 'keeper Glyn Thompson.
Newport offered little to trouble Saints and talisman Ben Martin led a strong defensive showing from Steve Castle's men.
City must now turn attentions to cashing in on a home draw in the FA Cup as Ryman League Premier Division outfit Harlow Town arrive on Saturday for a 3pm kick off at Clarence Park.
City 4-4-2
Hakim F S. Martin F
Hunt LM Bowditch CM Quilter CM Sulaiman RM
Bailey LB Fisher CB B. Martin CB Protheroe RB
Bastock GK
Subs: Hicks for Sulaiman (25), Cohen for S. Martin (58), Thurlbourne for Bowditch (67). Unused subs: Clarke, Rieck.
Newport County 4-4-2:
Hughes F Duffy F
Hall LM Davies CM Church CM Rose RM
Collins LB Vickers CB Stephens CB Jenkins RB
Thompson GK
Subs: Harris for Davies (46), Giles for Stephens (47), Cooper for Church (67).
Referee: John Busby (Wallingford).
Attendance: 866.
