Newark first team’s hopes of avoiding relegation took another blow when they lost 3-2 in a very close match at third placed Ashfield. The evening started with draws from Paul Martin and Graham Ladds. Graham had a slightly inferior position but managed to contain any play his opponent had on the queen’s side.
Newark then took the lead when Keith Aiton won a lively encounter against Ashfield’s Jerry Herrington. At this stage, Newark were well placed in the remaining two games.
After just two games (and two wins) for the third team, Jake Hughes was given his first team debut and for much of the night he had a material advantage. Unfortunately, his opponent Phil Morgan used his vast experience to get the better of the late middle game and endgame to get a win for Ashfield.
The last game to finish was a very interesting game involving Alex Combie, in which his pawn push through the centre gave him a lot of counterplay to equalise the pieces for each side. However, a time scramble in a rook and pawn ending saw his opponent’s passed rook pawn and better position of his king enabled him to get a win and give Ashfield overall victory.
Newark’s next match is against fellow strugglers West Bridgford and the result of that match could be vital if Newark are to avoid relegation.