A DOGGED ten-man Amesbury Town twice came from behind in the Isle of Wight in a dramatic 4-2 Wessex League cup tie but left with their heads held high after losing to Newport in extra time.

The Blues were left scrapping against the Premier outfit with a numerical disadvantage after Nathan Barnett was dismissed for a late tackle within the first three minutes.

The hosts had gone ahead but Tyler Brockway equalised for Town on the stroke of half time.

Then the game at St Georges Way could have been abandoned when a floodlight failure meant one area of the pitch was partially visible, but both teams continued.

The conditions, along with ten-men didn’t aid Amesbury’s cup ambitions in the slightest and life was made difficult for them when the hosts restored the lead shortly after the hour mark.

However, Town made sure of boarding a later ferry from the island as substitute Cameron Roach equalised with nine minutes remaining to make it 2-2 and force extra time.

But despite their efforts, Newport unlocked the visitors’ defence in the additional 30 minutes to secure their place in the fourth round against either AFC Portchester or Andover New Street.

Amesbury boss Gareth Horner took a philosophical approach with defeat and hailed his players’ efforts.

“You can't take anything away from our lads,” he said, “We went there looking to be competitive and unfortunately after three minutes we were left playing the rest of the match with ten men.

“The game plan then changed slightly as we just looked to keep our shape and win the ball in the right areas.

“We found ourselves going behind twice and drawing level which shows the belief we have within the squad.

“We had a perfectly good goal ruled out for a nothing foul on their keeper but that's how some games go.

“Newport knew they were involved in a game and their supporters and management were nothing but complimentary.

“The final period of extra time was just that step too far for the lads but they were fantastic every single one of them and a great credit to the club.”

Click here to see pictures from the clash: http://www.salisburyjournal.co.uk/sport/sportfootball/wesex_photos/wessex_amesbury/0/

  • Town hope to bolster their squad with the signing of former Bangor and Elgin City player Lee Hodgkinson, who could play on Saturday against Romsey Town (3pm) subject to international clearance.