A gritty performance was enough for Hartlepool United to defeat Newport County AFC at Victoria Park. Only Scott Fenwick’s second half strike was the difference in a close League Two match.
Off the back of a pleasing performance last Saturday, Newport County took the long trip to meet inform Hartlepool United. With the Pools recording wins in all 3 of their competitive matches so far this season, Terry Butcher’s Newport expected a tough challenge.
In the opening minutes the game was pretty even, both sides creating chances without making serious work for either goalkeepers. Mark Byrne made a promising start to the game when he fired a chance just over the bar and Billy Paynter put his chance wide of the County goal.
But as the half hour approached the visitors began to dominate the game, Scott Boden headed a shot wide and the striker continued to find space against United. Boden’s best chance came when his low shot was denied by Adam Bartlett, towards the end of the first half.
A pleasing dominant away performance at the halfway point, with pace and width being key factors in County’s impressive opening half. Danny Holmes and Seth Twumasi created problems for Hartlepool’s defence, whilst the teenage duo of Regan Poole and Kieran Parselle have stayed strong against an attacking Hartlepool formation.
But Ronnie Moore’s half time word must have worked as Hartlepool looked a different side and gained their reward as Scott Fenwick broke through the Newport defence and his powerful shot found the top corner, a truly exceptional strike.
County determined to find an equaliser created chances, youngster Regan Poole headed a shot from the corner just over the bar. Mark Byrne came close with a curling shot that swung wide of the post, whilst Aaron Collins couldn’t make a shot when pouncing on Bartlett’s fumble.
Despite County’s heavy possession the Pools could’ve put the game to bed with an open goal chance missed by Rhys Oates. But Poole’s brilliant last gasp clearance kept County’s chances alive, the 17 year-old was in fine form this evening!
With no real dangerous chance in the last ten minutes a good performance gained Butcher’s side no points. A long trip without a point for the 73 travelling supporters, but at the early point of the season the newly built side are beginning to gel and play better which is a huge positive. A home match against Leyton Orient could be a tricky fixture, but as an improving side County have a great chance of picking up their first win of the year.
