Romsey Town (1) 1 v Newport (IoW) (2) 3

Romsey Town were afflicted by an Isle of Wight hoodoo as they suffered defeats to both of their Division One island rivals last week. On Tuesday evening an inexperienced Town side endured a seven goals drubbing at East Cowes Vics before Newport (IoW) inflicted a 3-1 defeat last Saturday at The AEC Protection Ground, writes Tony Galsworthy.

Town’s starting lineup against Newport saw the welcome return of Mark Fawley from a long-term injury layoff and the presence of wingers Harley Russell and Robbie Stapleton gave them flair and speed on the flanks. The game’s first chance fell to Romsey when Zach Earley’s free kick saw Ben Beard’s flicked header go just past the post. It was the visitors though you showed more attacking intent, with West’s effort from a corner going narrowly wide before another shot from him flashed across the face of the goal. Newport controversially took the lead when the referee failed to stop the game after Beard suffered a head injury, allowing Grace to cross to an unmarked Nash who cooly converted in the 20th minute.

Romsey responded rapidly when just three minutes later a through ball from Zach Earley saw Archie Greenough gallop clear and deftly lob the ball over the advancing ‘keeper and into an unguarded net for the equaliser. Greenough and Gibson then combined to set Stapleton racing towards goal, but a defender recovered in time to make a lunging challenge at the cost of a corner. Another opportunity to go ahead slipped away when from Stapleton’s cross a well-placed Russell miskicked an inviting chance.

Town were made to pay in the 33rd minute when Nash outpaced Fawley and saw his low hard cross tapped home by Butcher, despite appeals for offside.  Russell then set up Greenough  whose shot was palmed over the bar for a corner  and Stapleton’s mazy run from their own half was only ended when his shot was blocked as Town strived to restore parity,

At half-time, Romsey had to reshuffle their defence when skipper Craig Bryant went off with a hamstring tweak and left back Ben Beard moved to centre back with George Cole coming on at right back and Fawley switched flanks. Newport almost added a third when from a corner a hooked shot hit the inside of the post, but the visitors soon increased their lead with a 65th-minute penalty by Browne. George Ockwell was dispossessed near his penalty area though made a fine recovering tackle, but to his and the home fans’ amazement, the referee pointed to the spot rather than for a corner kick.

Romsey continued playing some neat passing football and it took a fine save to deny a thumping shot from Greenough, but despite enjoying more possession they could not find a way back against a resolute Newport defence who were able to see out the game relatively comfortably.

Town boss Andy Samuels reflecting on these recent setbacks said, “Obviously it’s been a tough week. There were numerous factors on Tuesday night, before and during the game, that led to such a disappointing scoreline. However, I won’t take anything away from East Cowes, they were very good and will be up there for automatic promotion. On Saturday, we played well in parts, but fatigue and injuries didn’t help us. There were a few other things that went against us and had a big bearing on the result, but I can’t say any more than that. We must now look forward, regroup and get the injured players back, so we can look to finally get some continuity in the team and improve performances.”

These defeats brought an abrupt halt to Romsey’s four-match winning streak in the Wessex League, though they remain in fifth place in the Division One. Tonight, Romsey travel to Whitchurch United (ko 7.45pm) in a match that both clubs have dedicated to raising funds for the charity Parkinson’s UK. Next Tuesday evening (ko 7.45pm) Town play host to reserve side Folland Sports (A) in a Southampton Senior Cup Second Round tie at The AEC Protection Ground, when admission prices have been reduced to £5 for adults and £2 for concessions