Solid Start To Season At New Home

<p>The first game of the new season saw Newman get off to a solid start at their new home on Sudley Estate Playing Fields. Despite the rain battering down in the hours leading up to the match, the pitch was in decent condition at kick-off. Just like 12 months ago, the first match was against Sacre Coeur, who had finished 7 points ahead of Newman last season in 4th place.

<p>Bouyed by some impressive friendly results over the last couple of weeks of the summer, the clarets played confidently from the first whistle, defending solidly and breaking at speed thanks to the creativity of a buzzing midfield. A few chances came and went, and both Adam Chapman and Sam Buckley cracked the crossbar as Newman looked favourites to take the lead. But just after the hour mark Sacre Coeur landed a blow, going ahead with one of their few chances.

<p>With time ticking away, Shaun Williams brought on Sean Owens and Neil Foster as Newman went in search of an equaliser. It was Foster, playing in an unfamiliar forward position, who provided the crucial cross in the 80th minute, turned into his own net by a Sacre Coeur defender under heavy pressure from Buckley. Despite a strong last 10 minutes and a couple more half chances for Newman, the match ended 1-1.

<p>Initial disappointment soon turned into positivity following a solid opening point, with the knowledge that this exciting squad of players has the potential to do something special this season.