Newark Town has secured third place in the United Counties Division One league after a 1-1 draw at home against Blackstones on Saturday (April 20).
The result was enough to see The Blues secure a home berth in this weekend’s play-off fixture against fourth-placed Dunkirk (kick-off 3pm, Saturday).
A crowd of 429 watched the two sides battle it out in what was a close match with seventh-placed Blackstones looking dangerous in the first-half.
A tightly contested first period saw both sides have several chances with neither able to find the net which took both sides off goalless at the break.
The second-half saw the visitors score quickly as Joshua Barrett put Blackstones up 1-0 in the 57th minute.
Ten minutes later, Sam Wright managed to equalise for the Blues as he slotted an assist from George Asplin.
The final whistle sounded as both teams secured a well-deserved point.
It has been a great season for Luke Parsons’ team who will now face Dunkirk in the play-offs in their quest for promotion.
Supporters, officials and players gathered together after the match for the club’s annual presentation event which saw several awards handed out.
They gathered in the RHP clubhouse to commemorate a successful season that has seen them reach the play-offs of the United Counties League Division One competition.
The club is hoping to gain promotion to step five.
Manager Luke Parsons handed out several awards to his players.
Leading goal scorer of all time for The Blues and club captain Lewis Chambers received a Golden Boot trophy for scoring the most goals this season.
Chambers also received a medal alongside teammates Rhys Lewis, Jammy Lloyd and Jackson Buckthorp who have all made a hundred appearances or more for Newark Town.
Goal of the season went to Tyler Smith.
Sam Wright scooped up the best young player accolade while Lucus Cotterill was awarded as the supporters player of the season.
Parsons selected Sam Bartle as manager’s player of the season while Luke Andersen received the recognition of his peers when he was awarded player’s player of the campaign.
Superfan Leo Townrow was awarded with a signed home kit shirt from the team as a sign of appreciation for his support from the club.
“I'm absolutely delighted we have achieved a play-off place the aim at the start of the season was to see if we can firstly match last year and secondly better it and aim to get promoted,” said manager Luke Parsons.
“This season we had a very good chance of securing a home draw and we achieved that on Saturday.
“This was important for us and is huge for our team because we know how exceptional our fans are at home.
“All year they've turned out in numbers for us.
“We have had some big crowds come and see us the last few seasons and the players have thrived upon it, so please come out in numbers and push the lads over the line.”
