Newport County hit by late double strike

Feb 25 2008 by Our Correspondent, Western Mail

Newport County 1-3 Lewes

COUNTY snatched defeat from the jaws of a draw in yesterday’s clash with Lewes, who returned to the top of Blue Square South, courtesy of two injury-time goals.

But there was no doubt that the Sussex side were full value for the win, though it appeared that an 82nd minute equaliser from substitute Charlie Griffin had rescued a point for County.

County manager Peter Beadle could have no complaints about the destiny of the points though he was furious that his side "didn't turn up".

"Lewes wanted it more than us and they could have been out of sight by half-time,” he said. “They were better than us all over the pitch."

Beadle again sprang a surprise by leaving out midfielder Nathan Davies and it was no coincidence that they were overrun in the first half without the tough tackling club appearance record holder.

Lewes were only a goal to the good at the break when Andy Drury was allowed to turn home a 34th minute Paul Booth cross.

But defender Mark Dodds was injured early in the second half, and, with Andy Gurney dropping back to accommodate Davies, County were more competitive.

And in the 82nd minute top scorer Griffin got his head to a Gurney free-kick.

But deep into injury time County failed to defend a throw-in and Tom Davis headed Lewes back in front and Gary Holloway wrapped up the points with a penalty.