County back on track at Bognor

Mar 31 2008 by Our Correspondent, South Wales Echo

Bognor Regis 0-2 Newport County

A SPRING day trip to the Sussex seaside provided just the tonic for County’s failing promotion challenge on Saturday, and their fans who travelled on coaches sponsored by the club also enjoyed their day out as Newport ended a run of three straight defeats.

The first half was fairly even with few chances for either side, but an excellent left-wing cross from Richard Evans in the 51st minute changed the game in County’s favour.

Home defender Andy Pearson flicked the ball away with his hand and Jason Bowen relished the opportunity to score from the spot in his inimitable style.

The goal sparked the match into life and relegation threatened Bognor should have been level but Dan Beck dragged his shot wide of the target with only County keeper Glyn Thompson to beat.

But County clinched the points with a fluent move from Bowen, Steve Jenkins and Craig Hughes setting up Lee Fowler for a 65th-minute goal.

Newport manager Peter Beadle was delighted with his side’s second-half display: “This is one of the places you don’t want to come to needing a result but our approach and work rate were excellent.”

County, who have five of their remaining seven games at home, now entertain play-off rivals Bromley and Havant in their next two matches on Saturday and Wednesday week.

echo.sport@mediawales.co.uk