County fans in holiday heaven (From South Wales Argus)

County fans in holiday heaven

12:00pm Tuesday 29th December 2009 in Sport By Andrew Penman

A BUMPER Bank Holiday crowd of 2,205 saw Newport County storm to a 13-point lead at the top of the Blue Square South with a 3-0 victory over Dorchester at Spytty Park yesterday.

Two second half goals from top scorer Craig Reid and a late header from captain Gary Warren sealed the win.

And with nearest rivals Dover losing at home to Chelmsford and dropping to fifth, the Exiles extended their lead once again to end 2009 in fine style.

Manager Dean Holdsworth accepted that his side had been below par in a poor opening 45 minutes but by the end he was purring after a fabulous second half display.

“We were poor in the first half by our standards,” he said. “We didn’t do the basics very well and we were in second gear.

“They just needed a little wake-up call and I thought we were magnificent in the second half.

“We had to break them down and that first goal was massive for us. After that it was a delight to watch.

“We were like a steam train going through there at times with the pace and the power of our attack.

“The finish for Reidy’s second goal was out of this world and Warren got a great goal too.”

Another reason for optimism was the return of midfield maestro Danny Rose after weeks on the sidelines with a foot injury.

“We had a plan for Danny to get him on and it’s good that he gets minutes under his belt,” said Holdsworth.

“We have got no fresh injuries ahead of Friday’s game against Worcester so we can be very pleased with our day’s work.

“It will be another tough game, every game is because we’re top of the league and everyone’s going to come here and shut up shop. We’ve just got to be patient and show our quality.”

Holdworth gave debuts to two new loan signings in right-back Aaron Morris and midfielder Ashley Nicholls and scotched rumours that he is to bring free agent Lee Fowler back to the club.

“I wouldn’t have signed Ashley Nicholls for a month if I wanted Lee Fowler. I know where he’s going and he’s not coming here,” said the Exiles boss. “Ashley did well and we’ll see how he fits in over the next month. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of this?”

Yesterday’s Blue Square South results: Basingstoke Town 0 Worcester City 1, Bath City v Havant and Waterlooville - postponed, Braintree Town 1 Hampton and Richmond 1, Bromley 3 Eastleigh 0, Dover Athletic 0 Chelmsford City 1, Newport County 3 Dorchester Town 0, St Albans City 1 Welling United 2, Staines Town 2 Bishop's Stortford 2, Thurrock 3 Lewes 1, Woking 2 Weston-Super-Mare 1.