Harrowby United lose to Newark Town in the United Counties League
A depleted Harrowby United side suffered a third successive defeat in the United Counties League Premier Division North on Saturday.
The Arrows had no fewer than eight first team players missing for their 4-1 home defeat against Newark Town at the JRL Brickwork Stadium.
They were forced to field a complete new back four which saw Harrison Dee partnering Kegan Everington with Charlie Hart and Scott Floyd taking the full-back spots.
Tom Harris and Harry Allcock were replaced by Issa Gaye and Lord Marfo as a strong-looking Newark team were good value for the three points on the day.
There was early drama when Newark were awarded a penalty after just two minutes following a challenge by Gaye.
However, the home side felt justice was done when goalkeeper Alex Smith made a smart save from the spot kick.
Harrowby then took the lead minutes later when Jack Gurney swung in a free-kick which Everington poked home.
However, that was about as good as it got for the Arrows as Newark upped their game and equalised with a fine strike from Joe Smith who was back with the Blues after playing for Grantham Town last weekend due to being cup-tied for the FA Vase.
The match then turned into an end-to-end contest with Newark finishing the first half with a flourish by scoring twice in the final five minutes.
Former Grantham striker Ryan Rushen did well to set up Ryan Smith to put Newark ahead before ex-Arrow Luke Andersen crossed for Smith to head home.
The second half was well managed by Newark and the Harrowby onslaught did not really materialise as a flurry of substitutions from both sides interrupted any flow to the game.
Newark did manage a fourth goal as a mistake in the Harrowby defence ended with an own goal to make it 4-1.
Harrowby did have the chance to cut the deficit from the penalty spot but Jack Gurney's effort was well saved by Newark goalkeeper Jake West.
The Arrows will be hoping players return to their squad for Saturday's tough trip to sixth-placed AFC Mansfield.
