Goals from Cameron Norman and Omar Bogle ensured Newport County left with all three points at Gillingham on Saturday the 29th of April.
It was a game of two-halves today at The Priestfield Stadium as Omar Bogle’s late strike made sure County came away with the three-points.
It was a quick start from the home side as they pushed forward having an early shot albeit scuffed well wide by MacDonald. Despite the fast start County kept alert and made several interceptions through the middle of the park, one to note happened in the 4th minute when Will Evans intercepted a loose pass and drove the ball forward to create a chance for County. The chance led to nothing.
It wasn’t long before County opened the scoring in the 8th minute with a delightful header from Cameron Norman from a Waite corner. Cam out-jumped the marking defender and stuck the ball in the back of the net past Morris in goal.
This didn’t deter the Gills though and they came back fighting, looking to find the leveller almost instantly as a ball played invitingly into the County area was punched away by Townsend to clear any imminent danger.
Gillingham eventually managed to reduce the deficit through a penalty. The referee made the decision to award the Gills a penalty after Charlie McNeill connected with the player, narrowly missing the ball, which was converted by Tom Nichols to level the scoring at 1-1.
It seemed to be Gillingham who carried the momentum after their goal, with more attempts from Nichols, but each was denied by Nick Townsend in goal producing some fantastic stops.
Half-Time Gillingham 1-1 Newport County AFC.
It was the Exiles who came out fast in the second half, possibly to do with the fact they were playing in the direction of over 400 loud and proud Exiles singing their hearts out in the sunshine.
There was more pressing play at the front from County with interceptions from Will Evans, Charlie McNeill, and Omar Bogle each creating chances for County to convert but being unsuccessful.
County started playing some really attractive football amongst some fantastic saves from Townsend in the net and it eventually led to County’s second goal in the 78th minute from number 9 Omar Bogle, who controlled the ball and strikes hard and high into the top of Morris’ net!
The sun was out, the Exiles were singing loud and proud, the backline held strong from the Gillingham attacks and eventually the referee blew for full-time.
Full-Time Gillingham 1-2 Newport County AFC.