Eastleigh 3 County 2

10:14pm Tuesday 12th August 2008

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NEWPORT County slipped to a second successive Blue Square South defeat tonight despite a spirited display at Eastleigh.

The Exiles contributed to an absorbing contest, but just came up short as they desperately chased a late leveller.

Dean Holdsworth kept faith with the 4-4-2 system that let the Exiles down on Saturday.

Many had expected the boss to switch to his preferred 4-2-3-1, however, he opted for a change in personnel rather than system, Richard Evans in for Danny Rose and Phil Walsh replacing Jamal Easter in attack.

Skipper Ian Hillier was unable to shake off a groin strain, so Nick Skelton came in for his full debut, but Kevin Stephens did manage to shake off a thigh problem.

An interested spectator at the Silverlake Stadium was a 'favourite' among Wales fans, Joe Jordan, in attendance to watch his son and long-time Exiles target Tom skipper the home side.

He would have been pleased with what he saw, at least initially, with Eastleigh dominant in the opening exchanges.

Only a superb stop by Glyn Thompson denied Anthony Riviere in the fourth minute, County caught out by a long-throw.

The away side were struggling to create much, but an horrendous mistake by Andy Harris allowed Evans a clear run after seven minutes, finding Rob Duffy whose beautifully measured chip was turned onto the crossbar by Jason Matthews.

The game was perhaps more open than Holdsworth would have liked, but it was a controversial decision by referee Mark Scholes which gave Eastleigh the advantage on 22 minutes.

Mr Scholes missed a blatant foul on Adie Harris, instead giving the decision the other way for a soft looking push by full-back David Collins.

However, County should've dealt better with Harris' speculative freekick, no defender took responsibility and the ball richoched cruelly off striker Phil Walsh into the net.

The Exiles instantly looked to make amends and Walsh's clever flick presented a golden chance for Duffy and Evans at the back post, but incredibly both players fluffed their chance, Evans screwing wide after Duffy's tame shot.

Midfielder Tony Taggart was beginning to dominate the midfield and his wonderful interchange allowed Matt Groves to tap home on the half hour, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

However, County didn't heed the warning and on 40 minutes they were two down, Riviere smashing home a loose ball as the Exiles' back seven (including Harris and Nathan Davies) looked around at who to blame.

However, we finally saw an example of the attacking intent Holdsworth brings to the club at the stroke of half-time, Walsh allowing the ball to run across him cleverly as Kevin Cooper arrived to sweep the ball home and give the Exiles renewed hope.

That hope intensified within seconds of the restart, the Exiles adamant they should've been given a penalty following Collins' freekick, Harris firing over as the protests continued.

There can be no doubt the Exiles were harshly dealt with by the officials throughout.

Holdsworth continued to be positive, introducing Jamal Easter in place of Evans, turning County's formation into more of a 4-2-4 than 4-4-2.

However, Eastleigh were the ones to find the all-important fourth goal, Mark Marshall's cross turned home by Groves via a cruel deflection off Skelton on 64 minutes.

Eastleigh began swamping the Exiles, Taggart within inches of scoring after the Exiles were caught out with Harris and Davies too far advanced, though this was merely an indicator of things to come as the home side began cruising.

Collins and Stephens stood up well to Taggart and Marshall, the best players on the pitch, but in most other areas County were second best as time ticked away, barely able to get out of their own half.

They desperately needed some inspiration and with 11 minutes remaining they found it, Rose exchanging passes with Walsh, cutting inside and drilling home in style to give the Exiles hope after excellent build-up play.

Rose looked like a little boy lost on Saturday, but he made a huge impact last night, helping County to pile on the pressure in the final ten minutes, though they couldn't fashion a clear chance for an equaliser, Stephens the closest with a flashing drive deep into stoppage time.

Eastleigh: Matthews, An Harris, Challis (Vickers 37), Riviere, Jordan, Byles, Adeniyi, Taggart, Groves, Baker (Brown 90), Marshall Subs not used: Howells,Mason, Martin County: Thompson, Stephens, Collins, Davies, Skelton, Giles, Evans (Easter 57), Harris, Duffy (Hall 68), Walsh, Cooper (Rose 68) Subs not used: Anthony Church, Nicky Church Referee: Mark Scholes Attendance: 787