This was a poor Port performance and a continuation of their second half display at Connah's Quay while Newtown, heavily defeated last week, were quickly out of the blocks and determined to make amends. In fact Port were very fortunate to be still in the game at half-time and that was only thanks to keeper Ged McGguigan who was in outstanding form keeping out four gilt edged opportunities with outstanding saves. It proved to be a Jekyll and Hyde day for the keeper as he retaliated after being badly fouled by Bowen bringing a straight red card and marching orders after 71 minutes which meant that any hope of a Port recovery was over with Mark Williams being substituted to make way for Steve Jones to take over in goal.
Port's poor passing often put them under pressure and as early as the fifth minute a misplaced cross field ball by the usually accurate Mike Foster gave Futcher a good shooting opportunity but he was well off target. A ball played into the box after ten minutes put Bowen through on goal but his finish was weak and McGuigan saved easily. The home side were second to most balls and failed to get any worthwhile possession. When Carl Owen did manage a break on the right there was no Port presence in the box to take advantage of the forward's cross. McGuigan was again in action after 26 minutes this time foiling Futcher who was clear on goal but the keeper was quickly off his line to pull off an outstanding save smothering the ball at the forward's feet. Just after the half-hour McGuigan excelled himself with two fine saves in quick succession first a block on Bowen and then when Brown played the ball back across the goal McGuigan was back in his goal to remarkably push a Barton effort over the bar.
Port on the other hand did not test debutant keeper Taylor and the closest they came was an Owain Roberts effort from 25 yards which dipped just over the bar. McGuigan again tipped a cross shot by Brown over the bar but a goal had to come and after 40 minutes Port failed to clear in a goal mouth scramble and the ball fell to Bowen who steered it past McGuigan from eight yards to give the visitors a deserved lead.
Port came out in more determined mood in the second period and after neat passing move Owain Roberts fired wide from 18 yards. In the second half though the home team dominated territorially they rarely looked in control rarely creating any worthwhile goal scoring opportunities throughout the 90 minutes. Carl Owen the only Port player to worry the opposition broke on the right and lashed in a shot which Taylor saved well at the near post. Newtown then gave themselves a cushion after 66 minutes when Barton scored from the spot.The penalty decision just about summed up Port's day. It was a questionable decision with the player not threatening goal and came only minutes after Mr Whitby had turned down an appeal of equal merit, when Owain Roberts was brought down in the box. Port's fate was more or less sealed when the McGuigan-Barton fracas resulted in a yellow for Barton and a red for the home keeper.
Port tried to pick-up the pace but their passing lacked accuracy and the final ball never penetrated the Newtown defence. Webber did have a shot cleared off the line and somehow a low Caughter cross was scrambled clear but it was a case of too little too late. The game ended with a Newtown counter with sub Field striking the bar. Fans were left to wonder what has happened to the outstanding football shown against Bangor. No time to be despondent though on to Cefn and hopefully a return to top form - but who will be in goal?
Report by: Gareth Williams.
