The RN Vets played host to an experienced and talented Newport I.O.W. side at Victory Stadium Portsmouth on Friday 20 Jan 12.
The early exchanges were pretty even with both defences on top. It took until the 20th minute before the first clear cut chance arrived. Brilliant vision and a fantastic pass from the RN’s Lewsley found the overlapping Mike Smith who hit a first time cross into the box where centre forward Mark Raybould smashed his shot goal bound only to see the visitors goalkeeper make an outstanding save pushing the ball around the post for a corner. From the corner Paul Barton leapt high to see his header crash off the crossbar to safety. Half time 0 – 0
There were changes at half time. Merritt for Willetts, Cooke for Hawes, Brady for Raybould and Ross Binns for Barton. The second half mirrored the first really with both defences restricting opposite forwards to long range efforts.
However, a great shot from RN’s Bob Brady forced the Newport goalkeeper into yet another stunning save.
In the later stages of the game it was Brady again who spurned a glorious chance to put the RN ahead. An inch perfect free kick by Mike Smith was headed wide when it was easier to score. It was just not meant to be!
This was a good team performance, with the only reason the RN were unable to score was down to excellent goalkeeping by the Newport keeper. Final score: RN Vets 0 Newport Vets 0
Man of the Match performance from Paddy Stephens.