Newcastle Town FC 1-1 Witton Albion
by
Christopher Sweetman
Images courtesy of club photographer
Imagery Photography
Before Saturday's home opening league game with Witton Albion, we held a minute's silence in memory of our former director and club friend Alan Salt who sadly passed away this past week.
Everyone at the club would like to pass on our thoughts and prayers to all of Alan's family and friends.
Newcastle began the game strongly, with early pressure on the Witton defenders, but a
series of unnecessary fouls kept letting the visitors off the hook.
Newcastle had their first real chance when Jack van der Laan went for goal from range,
forcing a sharp save from Oliver Martin.
However, as the half went on, Newcastle became increasingly frustrated, with Will Lloyd
and Jack van der Laan both booked within two minutes.
Witton were growing into the game, and Joe Slinn had to make a brave one-on-one save to
deny Joseph Duckworth.
However, Witton went ahead from a corner minutes later, as Hitchcox got free to tap in at
the back post.
Newcastle nearly struck back immediately from their own corner, but Lovatt could not quite
reach Askey’s downwards header.
Witton came out for the second half eager to put the game to bed, with Slinn called into
action early to deny Duckworth.
The visitors were all over Newcastle at this stage, with Slinn called into action twice more,
before Duckworth charged his clearance down, although that was just a goal kick.
From that goal kick, Ritchie was set free down the left, and his cross went straight through
the six-yard box, to allow Lovatt a simple finish at the back post.
The equaliser seemed to briefly reinvigorated Newcastle, with Askey forcing a save off
Oliver Martin, while Jayden Bailey-Hunter failed to convert two good chances.
However, after those chances, Witton took control, with Slinn again making good saves to keep Castle in the game.
However, Newcastle was dealt a late blow as Askey received a second yellow for a foul on
Duckworth, but held firm to secure the point.
Newcastle travel to newly promoted Hanley Town on Tuesday night, before welcoming Bedworth United to the Red Industries Stadium for the FA Cup Preliminary Round match next Saturday.
TEAM
Slinn, Russo, Ritchie, Vale (Conlon), Askey, Dennis, Lloyd, T van der Laan, Lovatt, J van der Laan, Hunter (Smith)
Subs not used : Hurst, Parker, Morley
Attendance : 202