Match report: Fawley AFC missed the chance to escape Wessex League Division One relegation zone after 2-1 loss to Newport (IoW) FC
An in-form Fawley AFC missed out on the chance to at least momentarily escape the relegation zone after a narrow 2-1 loss to Isle of Wight’s Newport at the Brickability Stadium on Saturday.
The Oilers made the perfect start, taking the lead with just 16 minutes played thanks to an own goal, but that was as good as it got, and Newport came back to win 2-1.
After a remarkable run of results – the Oilers’ only defeat in the last seven came against champions-elect New Milton Town – Fawley has left themselves one result away from lifting themselves out of the drop zone.
However, Totton & Eling, the side two points above them in the league, hold two games in hand.
After a delayed start, with a five-minute hold-up caused by an unknown reason, Fawley made a rapid start, making the most of having the sun at their backs.
In a half that saw limited chances, the Oilers took the lead through an own goal, with an excellent cross into a dangerous area deflecting into the top corner of the head of Mikey Thompsett.
After an explosion of emotion from the Fawley players, Newport gradually found their rhythm.
As the half progressed, Wessex League veteran Ji Nash forced a brilliant save from burly keeper Jamie Bruce, but there was little he could do to stop the eventual equaliser.
Two minutes before the break, Kai Grace, having switched flanks despite enjoying plenty of success on the left, was brought down in the box. Nashj calmly converted, scoring his 20th league goal of the season from 12 yards out.
After brief but intense discussions at half-time about both sides wearing blue shorts, the play resumed after another delay.
Five minutes after the restart, Nash ran into the Fawley box and ran straight into a defender. Nonetheless, the referee pointed at the spot, with Nash firing home his second of the afternoon.
Fawley had a few chances to equalise, with Newport holding on in the final stages, with their best chance coming from a corner late on. However, keeper Leon Pitman came to the rescue with a stunning fingertip save, and the final whistle came with the visitors sealing all three points.
Fawley still have two chances to escape the relegation zone. First, they face 12th-placed AFC Aldermaston away from home on Saturday before a season finale home match against 10th-placed Amesbury Town next Saturday.
Fawley AFC: J. Bruce, J. Lynch, H. Abdi, D. Gain, J. Francis, M. Hawkins, I. Elezi, F. Craigen, A. Sawyer, D. Hartigan, J. Clifton. Subs: J. Tribe, D. Knight, S. Williams, J. Roberts, E. Andrade.
