Pagham put islanders in their place to reach FA Vase first round
Pagham put the disappointment of previous meetings with Newport IOW firmly behind them with an impressive 3-0 victory at the Covers Arena to book their place in the first round of the FA Vase.
There was a little history riding on the tie, with the two previous meetings between the sides having gone Newport’s way. The first came in the 1970s, when Newport recorded a thumping 7-0 victory. Pagham groundsman Ray Nunn still remembers the occasion well, reflecting that it ‘wasn’t a great day to be a Lion’.
More recently, they met in the Vase last season, when Newport once again had the edge, eventually knocking Pagham out of the competition following a penalty shootout at the Covers Arena.
Pagham were determined there would be no repeat this time around and made an excellent start. They took the lead in the 14th minute when a ball from the left found Jamie Horncastle, who rose to meet it with a firm header beyond the Newport keeper.
The early goal settled the home side and gave them confidence and they continued to look dangerous as they sought to extend their advantage. Their pressure was rewarded before half-time when Lewis Rustell produced an excellent finish, striking a half-volley from just inside the box which flew beyond the keeper to make it 2-0.
Newport came out after the break knowing they needed a goal to get themselves back in it, but Pagham stood firm and continued to manage the game well. The hosts remained a threat going forward, while their defensive work ensured Newport were unable to find the breakthrough they needed.
Pagham struck the decisive blow in the 89th minute. Dave Crouch rounded off the scoring after breezing past the Newport defence to make it 3-0.
The final whistle brought a deserved victory for Pagham and, importantly, ended Newport’s recent hold over them in the Vase. The Lions will go to AFC Aldermaston in the first round on October 10.