Medway Messenger Combination

Newington Village 3 v 1 Old Ash Tree

Newington wrapped up their season with a convincing 3-1 defeat of Old Ash Tree, to gain some revenge for the reverse earlier in the season.

Once again it was that man Speller stealing the headlines as he scored his third hat-trick of the season to finish the Divisions top scorer with 27 League goals.

Newington had most of the early running and should have gone in front when Darren Delport hit a thunderous shot that cannoned off the crossbar and quite clearly over the line. Clear that is to all but the ref and the Old Ash Tree linesman!

Shortly after a serious injury to an Old Ash Tree player resulted in play being suspended for nearly an hour while waiting for an ambulance!

It was Old Ash Tree that seemed to suffer for the delay, as Newington came out of the blocks quickly upon the restart and were soon a goal to the good through Speller. Old Ash Tree did get back into the game, with some lively inter-passing in midfield giving their main striker time to run on and grab the equaliser.

That was as good as it got for Ash Tree though, as shortly after they were down to 10 men as they had a midfielder sent off for swearing at the referee. Silly boy!

Newington had clearly unsettled their opponents and it was little surprise when they added a second, Speller running onto a glorious through ball to score his second of the day.

In the dying minutes of the game Newington were awarded a penalty, and after a brief discussion , Speller stepped up to score and become the Division's top scorer.

Medway Messenger Combination

Newington Village 1 v 1 Horsted

Newington battled out a point in this hard fought game with mid table Horsted. Horsted, perhaps with one eye on their upcoming final, were a little slow out of the blocks and for once Newington had the better of the early exchanges. Despite this, the Newington defence were too frequently left exposed by large gaps in the midfield, allowing the nippy Horsted forwards time and space to run at the defence.

Quick thinking by Jamie Oswell and Ben Ferrell saw Newington take the lead after 20 minutes. A swiftly taken free kick and one two released Shaun Speller to run unchallenged on the Horsted goal, Speller’s vicious shot giving the ‘keeper no chance for his 31^st goal in all competitions this season.

Newington were still giving the ball away far too frequently, and after having pushed men up for a corner gave the ball away once too many times, to allow the Horsted striker to run on from the half-way line to outpace the defence and score past Jarett in the Newington goal.

Changes at half time and early in the second half saw Newington finally gain control of the problem midfield areas, though Jarett still had to be alert to save long range shots as Horsted were pushed deeper.

Jamie Oswell reverted to his strike position of this season and should have wrapped up all 3 points as Speller’s driven cross found him totally unmarked at the far post. Unfortunately Oswell was unable to make any contact with the ball and the chance went begging as the game finished 1-1.

Medway Messenger Combination

Newington Village  2 v 0 Real Rainham

A fairly meaningless end-of-season fixture was played out between two sides looking forward to next season all ready.

Having thumped Rainham 6-1 just before Christmas Newington were expecting an easy game, but Rainham have either improved since then, or Newington have gone backwards, as Newington were made to fight for every ball.

As has been the case on many occasions this season though, it was the pace of the front two Jamie Oswell and Shaun Speller that gave Newington the edge, as they caused the opposition defence numerous problems with their intelligent running.

It was from one such run that Oswell was pulled down 5 yards outside the box. Oswell elected to take the free-kick, which was poorly hit and appeared to be travelling towards the corner flag, until an unfortunate defender stuck out a boot to deflect it into the corner of the goal, leaving his ‘keeper completely wrong footed.

The second wasn’t long in coming as again Oswell ran at the Rainham defence and finding himself one on one against the goalie, elected to chip, the cross-bar coming to the keeper’s aid. Fortunately for Newington the ball dropped straight into the path of Speller who made no mistake from 8 yards to make the score 2-0.

Little of further note happened, save for Rainham’s continual moaning at every challenge and calling for every offence, something which gradually wound up some of the Newington players. It was no great surprise when the referee finally did get his book out to a couple of players – though his threat to abandon the game was a little dramatic to say the least.

Newington saw out the second half, with little threat of scoring or conceding to record only their second actual home win of the season, not including the walkover against Deanview ’95.

Medway Messenger Combination

Newington Village 2 v 2 Cuxton Autos

Newington’s miserable home form continues to haunt them as they failed to see off the division’s bottom club Cuxton Autos.

In fact Autos nearly pulled off a shock as they took a 2-0 lead only to be pegged back late in the game by some sublime finishing by Newington’s leading scorer Shaun Speller.

On a very bouncy pitch Newington were, as usual, slow out of the blocks, but no-one could have been prepared for the way they went behind as the Autos centre back hoofed a long clearance from well inside his own half. The ball travelling fully 50 yards at some speed catching Tony Jarett in the Newington goal off his line as the ball dropped over his head for the most amazing of opening goals.

Visibly lifted by this shock goal Autos had a couple of decent opportunities to further increase their lead, but found Jarett in fine form to make up for his earlier error. One particular stop, low to his right, would possibly rate as one of the stops of the season.

A stern half-time talk saw Newington come out for the second half with renewed vigour. But after only five minutes of the second half disaster struck once again, in no uncertain terms. A quick break away by Autos was thwarted as Ian Smith cleared only for the Autos striker to pull off the most blatant of hand-balls on the blind side of the ref. The ensuing early ball caught the defence flat footed and Autos increased their lead to 2-0.

Newington piled on the pressure and half chance after half chance went begging as they camped out for long periods in their opponents half. Finally the pressure told, when after 70 minutes, a good combination between Andy Turnham and Shaun Speller saw Speller finish for his 21^st goal of the season.

Newington’s equaliser was almost incredible as Autos opener, as Speller chased down Autos kick off and ran on to take on the whole of the Autos defence, with the ball falling favourably from a couple of ricochets Speller found himself with only the ‘keeper to beat, which he did at the second attempt.

Two goals for Speller in less than a minute now made the score 2-2, Newington sensing the game was there for the taking pushed on and created more chances, but just couldn’t apply the finishing touch that their approach play deserved.

Once again lack of support for Speller in front of goal cost Newington dearly as a further two points were dropped against a team that Newington should be making short work of.

Medway Messenger Sunday League – Combination

Southern Dynamo 3 v 2 Newington Village

Newington suffered their fifth one goal defeat of the season as they went down to new league leaders Southern Dynamo.

On an extremely blustery day Newington’s team selection was disrupted by the withdrawal of Ian Smith pre match and fellow centre back Lee Mannering during the warm up. The pack was reshuffled and Richie Woolston and Luke Austin took up the challenge of defending the centre field against the divisions’ top scorers.

Southern Dynamo were more than happy to launch long ball after long ball on the wind, which for the most, Newington coped with well. Though there was one scare when Jarett lost possession on the edge of his area and as he struggled to get back into position was grateful to see the forwards shot deflect back off the bar and to safety.

Dynamo didn’t have it all their own way, as Newington’s lively front pairing for the day of Speller and Quelch caused them problems. Quelch in particular made himself a real nuisance, chasing everything and making space for his strike partner.

When the opening goal did come it was possibly a little unfortunate. Newington played the offside ploy once too many times, and Shaun Hussey played the on-rushing striker on side. Jarett had little chance in the Newington goal as Dynamo opened the scoring for 1-0.

To their credit Newington didn’t allow this set back to alter their style of play and it was just reward for their efforts when a quick throw by Elliot Austin released Shaun Speller on the edge of the Dynamo area. The defenders were shaken off Speller’s dummy and the keeper deceived by the low shot as Newington equalised for 1-1.

Dynamo were visibly rattled and were quite happy to hear the half time whistle blow. With the wind at their backs in the second half Newington were able to pen Dynamo back for long spells, but did look suspect to the quick break aways. Sure enough it was one such break that saw Dynamo take the lead. Though they consider themselves a little unfortunate as the deflected shot bounced back of the Newington keeper straight onto the Dynamo striker and into the net to put Dynamo back in the lead.

Once more Newington came out fired up and from a long kick from the keeper Simon York headed on into the area for Speller to beat the keeper to the ball, his deft flick of the head taking the ball over the keeper and into the net for 2-2.

With time running down, and Southern Dynamo looking more and more desperate for the winning goal that could keep their faint title hopes alive, Newington fell to the sucker punch once more.

Having conceded a free kick 25 yards from goal no-one had the presence of mind to watch the man on the ball and were too busy arguing with the referee about the validity of the award when the Dynamo player struck to catch the keeper unawares for 3-2 to Dynamo.

Newington came away from the game feeling a little hard done by to have once again lost by the odd goal, but extremely pleased by the performance of the team and in particular midfielders Paul Byrne, Andy Turnham and youngster Steven Quelch making his full debut and playing out of his skin.

Junior Charity Trophy – Semi final

Ridgeview A 2 vs 1 Newington Village

Newington crashed out of the Junior Charity Trophy at the semi final stage, despite having almost total domination of this tie versus Ridgeview A.

Playing against the wind in the first half Newington pressed hard early on, with Andy Turnham and Shaun Speller causing problems out wide of Ridgeview it only looked a matter of time before Newington would score.

The opening goal did eventually come after some good closing down by Paul Bishop forced the Ridgeview defence into an error, once Bishop had the ball he quickly released Speller, who made no mistake to put Newington one up.

The wind assisted Ridgeview in their attempts to get back into the game, as they launched long balls into the Newington half. For the most these were easily dealt with, but occasional lapses of concentration gave Newington the odd scare.

Another Turnham / Speller combination saw Speller out wide, his far post cross eluding everyone as Bishop bundled the ball over the line. Newington’s celebrations were cut short though as the assistant referee spotted a handball by Bishop as he scored.

Speller then sent a thundering shot against the cross bar, the ball bouncing down onto the line, despite Newington appeals for a goal play was waved on.

As has been the case so many times this season, with Newington totally on top, a silly goal changed the shape of the game. Failure to clear a hopeful punt into the Newington half allowed a Ridgeview forward to cross a speculative ball into the box. A cross, which totally wrong-footed Jarret in the Newington goal for the equaliser.

With the scores level 1-1 at half time and with the wind now in their favour it looked like Newington could push on and get the goals they needed in the second half.

Unfortunately they never managed to get the same fluent passing game going in the second half, as Ridgeview were all too happy to get bodies behind the ball and defend for a breakaway.

That breakaway came on the hour as Luke Austin faced with the choice of putting the ball out for a throw or try to play football and keep possession elected to play the ball back to Jarret, only to scuff his pass and allow a Ridgeview striker in. With the defence completely flat-footed the squared pass was met at the far post with a firm strike to put Ridgeview into the lead.

Newington looked visibly deflated and rather than going back to what they had done so well in the first half players started to hold onto the ball for too long, which suited Ridgeview as again they got bodies behind the ball.

Chances were few and far between and often from long distance as Newington were kept at bay.

In desperation Newington pushed Ian Smith up front to try and add an aerial challenge, it was Smith who had the best chance to equalise. The Ridgeview keeper came out of his box to head clear only for the ball to fall to Smith, with his back to goal 25 yards out.

To everyone’s amazement Smith went for the over-head kick, which he caught perfectly, only for the acrobatic shot to hit the retreating keeper who gratefully smothered the lose ball and Newington’s final chance to rescue the tie.

Newington felt hard done by once again, and once again controversy wasn’t far away, as Newington remain convinced that Ridgeview used ‘ringers’, and something unfortunately they have been unable to prove.

Medway Messenger Sunday League – Combination

Inter Gills 1 v 1 Newington Village

It was a distinct case of déjà vu as Newington and Inter Gills drew 1-1 for the second time this season and with identical goal scorers to the earlier meeting.

Newington, with an eye on next week’s cup semi final shuffled the team to try and give them attacking options and with Andy Turnham creating plenty of space on the right side of midfield it looked only a matter of time before Newington opened the scoring.

Unfortunately on too many occasions the forward line failed to hold the ball up and possession was lost cheaply.

Inter Gills weren’t creating too much to worry the defence on the ground, but did cause problems whenever the ball went out for a throw. The defence were never comfortable with the aerial bombardment from the long throw-ins and Inter Gills were unlucky to see one effort bounce back into play of the post. Though Gills did have a lucky escape themselves when Smith headed against the bar when left unmarked in the box.

Turning round to kick up the hill second half Newington again looked to release their forwards, but were often denied by some good defending or a poor last ball. The exception to this came on the hour, when Paul Byrne intercepted in midfield and fed Andy Turnham out wide, his first time ball found Shaun Speller on the edge of the 18 yard box and his rifled shot screamed into the net, the Gills keeper never even moving.

It looked like Newington were heading for 3 points without really getting out of second gear, but injuries to key players turned the game around. First the lively Andy Turnham came off, with a muscle pull and then ‘keeper Tony Jarett, came off suffering with a dead leg, Luke Austin replacing him in goal.

Unfortunately the first action that the stand in keeper saw was to defend another of Inter Gills long throws and wasn’t able to get a touch to the ball as it eluded everyone, with the exception of Gary Costen to head in from almost on the line at the far post.

Gills were rallied by this unexpected goal and suddenly looked dangerous. A further injury, this time to Graeme Muir left Newington with only 10 men on the field and the back line became a little stretched. With minutes remaining Gills’ Gavin Knight got behind the Newington defence and lobbed Austin as he came out. Fortunately for Newington old head Ian Smith was aware to the danger and tracked back to calmly chest the ball off the line and clear to safety.

The final whistle blew shortly after to signal 2 more lost points for Newington, but the end of a thoroughly sporting encounter.

Medway Messenger Combination

Cuxton Autos 0 v 2 Newington Village

Newington struggled to get any dominance in a game they expected to win comfortably against bottom of the table Cuxton Autos.

Newington couldn’t get to grips with the difficult pitch and far too often the ball ran out of play on the steep slope. It seemed to be beyond their grasp to get it away from that side of the pitch and the game very quickly degenerated into a stop start affair, as the ball spent more time out of play then in.

Newington did take the lead after 12 minutes, when good work by Gary Toms forced the Autos keeper to block a dangerous cross. After an initial melee the ball fell to Darren Delport who released Shaun Speller to open the scoring. This was pretty much Toms’ last action of the day and Paul Byrne soon replaced him.

Autos, obviously more used to their own pitch, played the ball sensibly, bringing the ball out from the back through the midfield to feet, and successfully eliminated the problem of the slope. They just lacked a cutting edge and Newington was rarely troubled at the back. Jarett limited to a couple of high catches and one difficult tip over from a long range shot, when back-peddling.

The second half opened pretty much the same as the first, Newington looking dangerous up front, but Autos getting more than their fare share of midfield possession.

The second goal came at pretty much the same time as the first as round the hour mark Andy Turnham fed Speller in the penalty box, who turned his man and fired into the bottom corner. The referee was quickly alerted to the home linesman having his flag up, but he dismissed the appeal for offside, as Speller had turned his man and therefore couldn’t be goal side of him!

At 2-0 Ian Smith had to leave the field. The old war horses’ back had ‘gone’ and he was now unable to run, not that he normally could much anyway, but was now becoming a liability as he was unable to cover. Paul Bishop came on in a straight swap to play centre back.

Further disruption to the team occurred after 75 minutes when Chubby Oswell had to concede his legs had gone and retired to the touch-line. Elliot Austin came on as Richie Woolston pushed to centre back and Paul Bishop to centre midfield.

The defence coped with the changes until with 5 minutes to go Graeme Muir needlessly pushed an Autos attacker in the back while going for an aerial challenge in the box, the referee having no hesitation in awarding a penalty.

Jarett in the Newington goal made a superb double save, first from the penalty itself and then from the rebound, as the Autos forwards were first to the ball. From the ensuing corner Jarett was once again called into action as he clawed away the in-swinging flag kick. In a crazy last five minutes Jarett made another fine save to get fingers to a driven shot from the edge of the box, which thundered of the bar to safety.

The 90 minutes saw Newington relieved they had kept a clean sheet and delighted to have got the 3 points, but more than disappointed that once again they couldn’t make their superiority count!

Medway Messenger Combination

Newington Village 2 vs 4 Who'd Ha' Thought It Lions

Newington suffered a major set back in their attempt to climb the Combination Division as they suffered yet another home defeat at the hands of the new league leaders.

It appears that Newington are actually suffering for having a good home playing surface as visiting teams are coming and being able to play football away from their own pitches, which they are obviously more used to.

To date Newington only have the one home league success to show for their efforts. A record that needs to be improved dramatically if their league position is to be improved.

Goal scorers on the day for Newington were 'Chubby' Oswell (pictured left), who was also awarded man-of-the-match for Newington and Graeme Muir (pictured right), making his league debut for The Clarets.

Medway Messenger Junior Charity Trophy - Quarter Final

Newington Village 2 v 1 Redbridge Rovers

Newington scraped through against Division 5 opponents Redbridge Rovers, but made a struggle out of what should have been an easy game.

As the pitch cut up Newington got bogged down, and were unable to get the ball out wide to the grassy areas of the pitch. The game was at times reduced to farce as the ball constantly stuck in the mud. Despite this Newington had almost total domination and Smith in the Newington goal only had the one save to make in the first half.

A combination of Newington’s strikers’ failure to cope with Rovers’ off-side trap, a succession of missed chances and an excellent performance by the Rovers’ ‘keeper kept the score to 0-0 at half time. Newington’s problems were further compounded by going down to 10 men shortly before the break, forcing a reshuffle.

Newington came out strong in the second half, but having gone to three at the back, gave Redbridge more space to play the ball into behind the Newington back line. It was from one of these attacks that Redbridge took the lead as a miscued shot stuck in the mud, allowing a combination of Rovers’ striker and Newington defender to bundle the ball into the net.

Newington pushed hard and once again took control of the game. For long spells though it looked like Newington were going to suffer for their profligate finishing, as chance after chance was squandered.

After having two efforts disallowed for dubious off-side decisions, Newington finally got the breakthrough their dominance justified, with Shaun Speller finishing off from close in.

With players now suffering cramp from the heavy conditions and the game looking like it could be heading for extra time Speller added his second to give Newington the lead. There was one final scare in the dying minutes of the match as Smith made only his second save of the game, to see the ball deflect back onto man-of-the match Luke Austin and roll inches wide of the post.

Newington now hope for a bit of luck in the draw for the next round and with Stirling 2000 tumbling out must now be considered favourites for the competition.

Medway Messenger Sunday League

Combination Division

Newington Village 2 v 2 Southern Dynamo

Newington battled superbly to gain a much-deserved point against league leaders Southern Dynamo. In a complete turn around from their usual form Newington started the game strongly, finding space in the wide areas with man-of-the-match Andy Turnham in particular causing Dynamo problems.

It was from a wide area that Newington took the lead. A nice overlap of passes between Delport, and Turnham left Richie Woolston (pictured right) in a good crossing position, his early ball deceived the Dynamo defence and left the ‘keeper struggling vainly to cover as the ball went straight in.

After 18 minutes things got even better, as ‘Chubbie’ Oswell picked up possession in midfield and pushed a perfectly weighted pass into the path of the division’s top scorer Shaun Speller, who made no mistake curling the ball round the on-rushing keeper for 2-0.

It was hard to tell which team was the more shell-shocked at this stage. Dynamo pushed on and would have pulled a goal back, but for a superb fingertip save by Tony Jarett in the Newington goal.

Dynamo did get their opener shortly before half-time, as Newington fell asleep after conceding a free-kick. The referee allowing a quickly taken kick, even though the ball appeared to be moving, that left the defence and keeper stranded. This was a shame, as to this point the defence had coped well with the high-scoring Dynamo forward line.

Newington came out strong in the second half and went close on a couple of occasions, Speller (pictured left) was unlucky to have an effort chalked off for a dubious off-side and the Dynamo defence was kept busy.

Having relied on running most of their game through the middle, it was when Dynamo changed their tactics to playing the ball wide that they got back into the game. A deep cross eluded the Newington defence to find a Dynamo striker unmarked at the back-post to level the scores at 2-2.

Newington pushed again to try and gain the win that their efforts possibly deserved, but there were no further goals.

An excellent game of football was enjoyed by all the players, both teams fought for every ball and still managed to keep a good sense of humour and played the game in a good spirit despite the continual interference of an over-zealous referee.

Medway Messenger Sunday League – Combination Division

Cuxton ’91 3 v 0 Newington Village

Newington were bitterly disappointed to come away from this game empty handed, and on the end of what looks like a comprehensive defeat.

The Cuxton pitch was extremely heavy before kick off and spells of rain throughout the game did nothing to improve the playing surface.

Newington’s front two Jamie Oswell (pictured left) and the division’s leading scorer Shaun Speller gave Cuxton early problems with their pace, but Cuxton’s five man midfield constantly snuffed out any of Newington’s attacking play.

Newington should have gone ahead on the half hour when Paul Byrne found himself clean through with just the ‘keeper to beat, the keeper doing well to make himself big and turn the shot away with his feet. This was closely followed by a big shout for a penalty as Andy Turnham was upended in the box, the referee waving away Newington’s appeals.

At the other end Tony Jarett in the Newington goal was having a reasonably quite half, with little to cope with bar some under-hit back passes. Though he did have to make one very smart save with the assistance of the post to keep the scores level at half time.

The second half continued in the same vein, but turned on a couple of incidents. First Newington had what looked a perfectly good goal chalked off as Jamie Oswell scored direct from a corner. The home linesman mysteriously spotting that the ball had gone out of play before mysteriously snaking its way back into play then into the goal!

Influential midfielder ‘Chubbie’ Oswell limped off with a damaged hamstring which forced a reshuffle, but Newington still looked capable of going on to win. Ironically it was the sending off of the Cuxton goal-keeper, for deliberate handball outside the area that seemed to turn the game.

Shortly after this disaster struck Newington as a long range shot, covered by Jarett, was deflected by Ian Smith (pictured right) for an own goal.

Newington looked visibly deflated, as their season of ‘nearly’ matches came back to haunt them. It was little surprise when Cuxton added a second, before a combination of Byrne and Richie Woolston managed to force the ball past Jarett for the second own goal of the game.

Newington left the field shaking their heads as to what could have been and feeling more than a little hard done by.

Medway Messenger Combination

Real Rainham 1 v 6 Newington Village

Newington finally got the result and the luck that has been missing for a while, as they thumped Real Rainham for six. For a while it appeared that Newington’s notoriously slow start was to be their undoing as they once again fell behind to an early goal.

Playing down the slope Newington’s continued pressure eventually told, when Darren Delport’s precision pass released Shaun Speller to equalise. Within minutes Speller doubled his tally, firing in at the far post after excellent work by Jamie Oswell. Delport then got his name on the score sheet, applying the faintest of touches to a long throw by Speller to deceive the Rainham ‘keeper.

Despite playing against the slope in the second half Newington continued where they left off with almost total possession. On the rare occasions that Rainham did venture into the Newington half the defence were more than capable of dealing with any threat.

Newington further stretched their lead when ‘Chubbie’ Oswell powered in a header from a corner, before Luke Austin scored with a floated free-kick from 30 yards that eluded everyone to finish in the top corner.

The scoring was rounded off by man-of-the-match Speller (pictured right) as he chased a long ball, before dummying the keeper to tap into an empty net.

Although a long way off the leaders at the half way stage of the season, if Newington can maintain this form they could still have a big say in how this division pans out.

Medway Messenger Combination

Brown Jug 2 v 1 Newington Village

Newington suffered their fourth league defeat of the season and for the fourth time it was defeat by the odd goal.

Luck seems to have deserted Newington as both goals conceded owed more too good fortune than to skill.

Brown Jug opened the brighter of the two teams, and with the large noisy and often hostile crowd supporting them ran at Newington with enthusiasm.

Newington are fast becoming notorious for their slow starts, and the scoring was opened after 10 minutes when a Brown Jug cross got stuck under defender Lee Mannering’s feet, allowing Brown Jug to score from close in.

With a sense of déjà vu Newington briefly looked deflated and Brown Jug had the most of possession for a spell. Newington slowly got back into the game and the front pairing of Speller and Oswell always looked dangerous, their pace causing the Brown Jug defence constant problems.

It was Oswell’s pace that earned Newington the equaliser, as he was brought down as he turned a defender in the penalty area. Speller (pictured) made no mistake from the spot, only to reveal after the game it was the first penalty he had ever taken!

The half-time team talk for once was positive and Newington felt they were going to get something from the game. Unfortunately lady luck deserted them again on the hour mark. ‘Chubbie’ Oswell was harshly penalised for handball by the stand-in referee and the miss-hit shot from the resulting free-kick ballooned in over the stranded Newington ‘keeper Luke Austin.

Despite the defeat Newington were able to take many positives from the game, with several players vying for the title of man-of-the-match and it appears only a matter of time before they get their season back on track.

Medway Messenger Combination Division

Newington Village 1 v 1 Inter Gills

Having had two weeks off Newington looked extremely rusty early on in this game against bottom of the league Inter Gills, who had the better of the early exchanges, only some brave ‘keeping by fit again Tony Jarett kept the scores level.

There was nothing he could do though for the opening goal, as poor defending from a long throw found an Inter Gills striker unmarked on the back post to fire in from 6 yards. Jarett was called into further action as Newington were rocked back on their heels.

Slowly the game turned as Newington’s superior midfield and pacey forwards created chances, Shaun Speller picked up his 15^th goal of the season to level the game, having already missed an easier chance.

The second half continued in much the same vein with Newington spending long periods camped in Inter Gills half, but a succession of missed chances, good goalkeeping and resolute defending kept the score level.

It looked like the deadlock had finally been broken when Newington defender Ian Smith (pictured) produced a superbly executed overhead kick from the edge of the area and with the ‘keeper beaten watched agonisingly as the ball smacked against the bar and rebounded over.

There were further chances for Richie Woolston, Paul Bryne and Speller but Newington were unable to get the decisive touch to finish the game off.

Medway Sunday League – Combination

Horsted 1 v 3 Newington Village

Newington finally got their season back on track, with this win at Horsted. For long periods though it looked like being another one of those days, as Horsted took the lead with a long range effort that gave stand in ‘keeper Luke Austin no chance..

A succession of near misses at the other end added to Newington’s frustration, but they finally got their reward for some heavy pressure, when Jamie Oswell (pictured left) cut in from the left to plant a shot into the bottom corner, with the ‘keeper well beaten.

For once the half-time team talk seemed to work, as Newington came out with a renewed confidence. The midfield battled superbly for every ball and it was little surprise when Jamie Oswell added his second, for Newington to take the lead.

Both teams then had efforts disallowed for off-side as the game opened up. A quick break-away, with an interchange of passes between ‘Goose’ Toms and Jamie Oswell found Shaun Speller in space to score his fourteenth goal of the season to give Newington a 3-1 lead that they never looked like giving up.

Special mention should go to man of the match Paul Byrne for marshalling the defence and Luke Austin for assured handling in goal.

Medway Messenger Combination

Newington Village 1 v 2 Cuxton ‘91

Newington’s early season confidence appears to have deserted them, since being thrashed by Premier side Temple in the Junior Cup, they have struggled to find any form.

Despite racing into an early lead on Sunday, Shaun Speller once again out-pacing the visiting defence to open the scoring, Newington never looked comfortable on the ball and gave away possession far too cheaply on numerous occasions.

The half time team talk did little to raise spirits and it was little surprise when Cuxton equalised, with a fine effort from distance, which beat ‘keeper Tony Jarett in the top corner.

Newington did wake up for a while, and Andy Turnham was unlucky when his powerful header was cleared off the line by a defender who knew little about it, the rebound being headed narrowly over the bar by Speller.

With it looking like both sides had settled for a draw Newington conceded a sloppy penalty, when Darren Delport (pictured) was penalised for hand-ball, though it appeared to be a case of ‘ball to hand’. Cuxton made no mistake in converting the penalty for the winner.

In the remaining minutes some fine ‘keeping by Jarett ensured there was no further score, but Newington were once again left ruing missed opportunities and slack defending.

Medway Messenger Combination

Old Ash Tree 3 v 2 Newington

Newington were bitterly disappointed to drop all 3 points in this Combination match. Despite total aerial domination and after controlling long periods of the game Newington were finding it difficult to create clear cut chances, and when they did they found the Ash Tree keeper in good form.

As is often the case when a team dominates possession, but doesn’t score, Newington paid for it and found themselves a goal behind at half time. It was to get worse, as shortly after the restart a slip by the Newington keeper allowed Old Ash Tree to double their lead.

Despite this set back Newington were still the stronger side and pushed forward at every opportunity and clawed their way back into the game when ‘Chubbie’ Oswell headed powerfully in from a corner.

Old Ash Tree were now on the back foot as Newington pressed hard for an equaliser, which wasn’t long in coming as Gary ‘Goose’ Toms (pictured, left) waltzed his way through the Ash Tree defence and chipped the ball over the on-rushing goalie to level the scores at 2-2.

With 15 minutes left to play Newington went all out for the win. It was this desire to win that proved to be their downfall, as in the very last minute of the game they were caught short at the back on a quick breakaway as Old Ash Tree converted the winning effort.

Kent Junior Cup

Temple 6 v 0 Newington Village

After beating a Division 2 side in the previous round Newington went into this tie against Premier side Temple hoping to once again raise their game.

Unfortunately the tie was all but over within the first 5 minutes, as once again Newington started slowly, and this time they were severely punished as Temple raced into a two goal lead.

The small pitch stifled any opportunity to get Newington’s nippy forwards into play and too often the midfield was crowded out and hopeful long balls played far too often. Temple added a third before half-time.

After a verbal roasting from the management team Newington came out with renewed optimism, but this was very quickly quashed as Temple scored their fourth within minutes of the restart.

Now playing for nothing more than pride Newington dug deep, but were unable to stop Temple adding a further two goals, the gulf in class was just too obvious on the day and has shown Newington how far they have to go if they wish to get to this level.

Medway Messenger Combination League

Deanview ‘95 0 v 7 Newington Village

Shaun Speller went nap as Newington Village hammered Deanview ‘95 for 7. The pace of Speller and Jamie Oswell proved a constant threat as Newington extended their winning run.

Making their usual slow start Newington were a little fortunate as Deanview had a couple of chances and hit the bar before Newington opened the scoring.

Andy Turnham released Speller (pictured left), to make it 1-0, Turnham getting a nasty kick to the ankle for his troubles. Another quick release from midfield put Speller in an almost identical position as he ran on to beat the keeper with aplomb. Further chances came, with Speller hitting the post and the keeper making good saves to deny the hat-trick.

Early in the second half substitute Wayne McGarrey beat the off-side trap to put Newington three up and the flood gates opened as Speller went on to complete his hat-trick. Captain ‘Chubbie’ Oswell stood down to allow sub Darren Delport to get a run, he duly repaid the favour by scoring from close in.

Speller went on to add another two goals to bring his tally for the game to five. In a performance dominated by the attackers it should be pointed out that much of the hard work for laying on the chances came through the centre, with Lee Mannering and Paul Bishop heavily involved.

Medway Messenger Sunday League – Combination

Newington Village 3 v 2 Brown Jug

Newington got their first points of the season with a hard fought win over Brown Jug, in a highly competitive game.

Both teams created early chances and Newington had a lucky escape when defender Ian Smith headed against his own bar. This seemed to spur Newington on and when a Brown Jug attack broke down they quickly released wide man Andy Turnham whose early ball found Shaun Speller who rifled in a left-footed shot to put Newington ahead.

Brown Jug came back at Newington and their pressure eventually told as a couple of defensive errors allowed Brown Jug to equalise and then just before half time take the lead.

Newington came out determined to turn the game round and should have got back on level terms when Smith was left totally unmarked at a corner, but put his header wide. Their continued pressure did eventually pay off when Jamie Oswell was put through on goal, only to be clattered from behind as he shaped to shoot, the referee having no hesitation in giving a penalty.

Fortune favoured Newington as the ‘keeper saved the first effort, but the spot-kick had to be retaken because of encroachment into the area. This time Richie Woolston (pictured right) made no mistake with his kick.

With the game seemingly heading for a draw Speller stunned Brown Jug with a ferocious shot from the edge of the area which gave the keeper no chance and the lead which they managed to hold onto for the last 10 minutes.

Kent Junior Cup

Newington Village 5 v 0 Sportsman

It has only taken 18 months, but Newington appear to have finally found a team that can play competitive football. The current blend of youth and experience looks to have generated a team that may actually be capable of challenging for trophies.

This game was a massive test, as due to an administrative error they were entered into the Kent Junior Cup, which meant they are playing teams far above their normal opposition, Sundays opponents, The Sportsman play five divisions above Newington so a hard battle was expected.

From the early exchanges it soon became apparent that Newingtons lively front pairing of Speller and Oswell were going to cause problems. So it was no surprise when Shaun Speller sprung the offside trap and after a neat exchange of passes rifled an unstoppable shot past the keeper.

The Sportsman fought back and created a couple of half chances, but good goal keeping from Jarett and a little good fortune kept the score line blank. With Newington looking dangerous on the break-away it was no surprise when they added a second goal, after a superb through ball from "Chubbie" Oswell released his son Jamie to finish superbly, chipping the on-rushing keeper.

The second half saw Newington pinned back for long periods, with Jarrett making a couple of outstanding saves. Newingtons new found confidence was further boosted when a quick clearance from defence left Jamie Oswell to run from the half way line and beat the keeper with a superb finish.

The lead was further increased when Eliott Austin (pictured left) pounced on a mistake by the goalie, after his own shot had been parried, to sweep the ball into an empty net.

Newington finished in style, with the goal of the game, as Paul Bishop was picked out superbly by "Chubbie" Oswell, Bishops first touch taking him past the defence and his finish was assured, to leave the final score-line 5-0.