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Newtown 2, Axmouth United 2

Axmouth United returned from their opening away Division Four game with a share of the spoils.

Having beaten the same opposition 7-1 the week before they found themselves up against a much changed outfit!

After a scoreless first half it was United who struck first after the break with Reece Hales slotting a penalty awarded after Charlie Clarke had been hauled down by the Exeter side’s keeper.

Hales doubled the lead when he headed home a Matt Ellis cross. The game turned in the 66th minute with hosts awarded a penalty and United reduced to ten men with their keeper taking an early shower! Andrew Smart took over between the posts but could not keep out the spot kick.

In the closing stages a weak back-pass was seized upon by a Newtown player who duly tucked the ball past Smart.

United boss Laurie Forino was clearly disappointed post match. He said: “We

took control from the break and I felt we would win quite cosily until the referee made that decision to send our keeper off. It was harsh on us for an identical situation at the other end saw us given a penalty and their keeper stays on. It’s the lack of consistency that drives me crackers. That aside I am really pleased with the lads second half performance and our form so far in what will be a tough division. We had a number of good individual performances, but Charlie Cross just edged the Man of the Match honours.”