York City’s disastrous season hit a new low after a damaging 1-0 home defeat to Newport County which now surely leaves The Minstermen’s Football League status hanging by a thread.
The home side handed full debuts to defensive loan pair Luke Hendrie and Kyle Cameron while their was a new leader in the visitors dugout as The Exiles welcomed Northern Irishman Warren Feeney as their new Manager.
The match started in frantic fashion as both sides showed plenty of energy and determination and it was Newport County who took the lead in the 11th minute with the first chance of the match. Luke Summerfield was stripped of the ball on the edge of his own box by Aaron Collins and the County striker drilled the ball beyond Scott Flinders from 18 yards.
The visitors continued to threaten and Mark Byrne could have scored a second goal 6 minutes later but his lob went over the bar. County were now well on top and Medy Eilto hit the post with a shot across goal before the home side came close to an equaliser as big centre half Dave Winfield threatened County’s resistance with a number of goal bound headers from corner kicks.
City were unable to level before the half time whistle although Luke Summerfield forced a decent save from Mitchell Beeney before Vadaine Oliver’s diving header went inches wide of the post.
The home side dominated the start the second half and Vadaine Oliver’s header forced an excellent save from Mitchell Beeney in the early stages of the half. After that initial burst of energy from The Minstermen, Newport County became more comfortable as the half drew on and were never in danger of surrendering their lead as the home side failed to build any momentum during the last half hour of the contest.
County full back Scott Barrow forced a good save from Scott Flinders late on with a driven shot across goal but the score stayed at 1-0 to give Warren Feeney his first win as County boss.
The result leaves York City cemented to the bottom of The Football League. Jackie McNamara’s side started far too slowly against The Exiles and failed to really trouble County keeper Mitchell Beeney and thoroughly deserved defeat.