NEWPORT (IoW) 2, ALRESFORD TOWN 5

ALRESFORD, after their long trip to the Isle of Wight on Saturday, turned on the style with a dominant first-half display that left Newport reeling.

The Islanders began strongly, with Ryan Thomas hitting the crossbar inside the first minute. And only a brave diving save by Dan Kempson denied Connor Kelly when he was played through the Alresford defence.

That was the end of the Port’s dominance, though, as Alresford worked themselves into the game and began to give the home defence a torrid time. An unmarked Steve Hall hit the base of the post before Josh Maloney scrambled the ball clear.

A John Cole header was cleared off the line and Sam Burt forced a pointblank save from Gary Streeter. Inevitably, the pressure told and Tom Richards curled home a free-kick to put Alresford ahead on 17 minutes.

The Magpies soon doubled their lead when a cross was diverted into his own goal by Keelan Sainsbury. Two minutes later, Alresford effectively put the game to bed when a mix-up in defence allowed Burt to slam home the third.

Hall made it 4-0 with a brilliant solo goal to complete a stunning first-half performance by the Magpies.

Newport came out with their ears still ringing, no doubt, and quickly got on the scoresheet, Connor Kelly rounding Kempson to score from a tight angle.

On 61 minutes, Newport forced a corner and Jared Wetherick sidefooted into the net. Was there a way back for Newport?

Wetherick and Joe Butcher both went close, but the Alresford defence resisted with blocks and tackles. With only three minutes left, Alresford counter-attacked and after a goalmouth scramble, the ball broke for substitute Scott Munro to shoot past Gary Streeter and put the lid on victory.

Alresford: Kempson, Richards (Ashton), Davies, Everett (Munro), McCartney, Fletcher, Cole, Mason, Sands, Hall, Burt (Blaxall). Subs (not used): Aldeano, Barnett.

* Alresford, unbeaten in the Sydenhams League (Wessex) since October 31 and now ninth in the Premier Division, host Brockenhurst this Saturday.

Accolade for the Magpies

ALRESFORD Town have been named the Sydenhams League (Wessex) Premier Division Club of the Month for December.

Alresford, unbeaten in ten league matches, previously won monthly awards in the 2012-13 and 2013-14 seasons. Bob Purkiss from the Sydenhams League will present the trophy at Arlebury Park on Saturday.