Newport County 2 Hampton & Richmond Borough 2

Hampton & Richmond Borough travelled to south Wales for only the second time in their history, and for the first time to Newport County.

Not the Somerton Park ground of Football League days, but a modern athletics stadium not too far from their old home (unfortunately these athletics stadia are not really designed to watch football from, as everywhere is a long way from the action).

Newport were unbeaten in six league games, while Hampton had won their previous two, so both teams were in good form.

Hampton, though, were missing three players, all of whom, could have been influential at the back - Rob Paris, on international duty (doesn't that sound good, though), while Aaron Barnett and Barrie Matthews are still both injured.

Perhaps that goes to explain why Hampton looked a little fragile in defence at the beginning of the game as Newport made a lively start with the benefit of a strong wind behind them.

As early as the third minute Matt Lovett had to be alert to beat Craig Hughes to the ball.

A minute later Lovett was in action again dealing with a cross from Charlie Griffin.

A misplaced pass in midfield was fatal for Hampton as Griffin latched on to the ball and put County ahead in the 5th minute.

Kelvin McIntosh set up Shaun McAuley, but the shot, taken early, was some six yards wide.

Lovett then had to deal with a shot from Jason Bowen.

Elliott Godfrey took advantage of a dallying Newport defender which gave McIntosh a half chance.

Hampton equalised through a penalty in the 18th minute.

McIntosh robbed another slack County defender and sent Marcello Fernandes on a run down the left side into the box.

Across came a defender, did he get the ball or man first, referee Antony Coggins, much to the home side's dismay, decided on the latter and awarded a spot kick (Stuart Lake winning his appeal!).

Godfrey struck the spot kick high to Glyn Thompson's left, though the keeper may have got a hand to the ball as it whipped past him.

The 1-1 score line didn't last long as within seven minutes the Welshmen had taken the lead again.

A ball played inside the defence created room for Bowen on the right side and his cross was headed in, unopposed, at the far post, by Hughes (plenty of welsh names in the side, you'll notice, bach!).

With half an hour gone Hampton had to re-arrange their defensive unit, Graham Harper pulled up with what may have been a hamstring injury, Fernandes switched across to the right whilst Ryan Lake came on to take over the left sided berth.

Stuart Lake won the ball in midfield, Godfrey off on a run that was eventually stopped by Ian Miller.

Ian Hodges got in among the flying boots as Thompson mishandled Hodges first attempt.

Newport counterattacked strongly late in the first half but Dean Wells was on hand to stop the move, the final piece of action saw Steve Jenkins booked as he went through the back of Godfrey, prompting more boos aimed at the referee by the home fans.

Early in the second half Newport's Richard Evans wasted a good chance when he blasted a shot across the face of Hampton's goal.

Thompson then made a good take in front of Stuart Lake after Wells and Alan Inns had indulged in some head tennis.

Following a header by Hodges Newport's Mark Dodds almost gifted Godfrey a chance.

Lovett made an excellent save at his near post in the 53rd minute.

With an hour gone Newport picked up another booking for a foul on Stuart Lake, giving the home supporters another chance to boo the officials.

Lawrence Yaku replaced McAuley in the 64th minute and shortly after forced a save from Thompson.

Hampton were playing much better the longer the game went on and looking dangerous going forward, especially when they kept the ball on the floor.

Ryan Lake robbed another Newport player (the third time during the game!) and following a free kick, the ball came back to Godfrey who fired through a crowd of players, Thompson making the save.

More good approach work led to a corner in the 75th minute, Hodges, Yaku and Godfrey combining for Yaku to win the corner.

When Godfrey's cross came over Orlando Jeffrey's initial effort was blocked but the ball came back to him and he lashed it high into the net for Hampton's second equaliser of the game.

Inns then got a blow to the face which necessitated a change of shirt as his number seven shirt was covered in blood.

In the 83rd minute Hodges sent Yaku on his way but Godfrey's effort was wide of the target. Lovett then made a save in the 87th minute after Newport had attacked down the left side.

Hampton started looked shaky but ended the match strongly and credit also to the 50+ Hampton fans who gave good support throughout the game.

Hampton: Matt Lovett; Graham Harper (Ryan Lake, 30), Stuart Lake, Orlando Jeffrey, Marcello Fernandes, Dean Wells, Alan Inns, Elliott Godfrey, Ian Hodges (Glenn Harris, 85), Shaun McAuley (Lawrence Yaku, 64), Kelvin McIntosh.

Subs not used ; Francis Quarm & Elliott Frost