NEWPORT Football Club's Wessex League Division 1 clash with Folland Sports, at Beatrice Avenue, East Cowes, saw 147 supporters brave the freezing conditions.

NEWPORT 1, FOLLAND SPORTS 1

The fans were treated to a hard-earned point in a match that was far from thrilling.

In a game marred by constant stoppages, Newport's player-boss Joe Butcher was foiled by the Folland keeper in the first half, ensuring a goalless stalemate at the break.

As the match continued, with little improvement, it seemed destined for a scoreless draw — until Callum Dart broke the deadlock for the vistors.

He netted from close range after a swift attack down the right.

Newport's Keelan Walsh, solid at left back, and man of the match, Josh Younie, gave their all, but couldn't produce an equaliser.

However, Port were given a boost when Harri Catania's red card seemed to spark a renewed determination when down to ten men.

Their persistence paid off three minutes from time, when Henry West headed in the equaliser.

In the dying minutes, Newport appeared the more likely to win, but the wobbling Folland's defence did enough to keep the Islanders out.

The match was capped off with words of appreciation for the dedicated supporters.

A Newport spokesperson said: "Well done the groundsman for getting the game on and well done the supporters for getting behind your club.

"It's on days like today the club and players know who their core following are and we appreciate them."

Newport remain in eighth spot, with just three losses all season and one loss in 15 games in all competitions.

Newport: Pitman, Wright, Watterson, West, Holbrook, Younie, Butcher, Young, Grace, Craig, Nash. Subs: Goldberg, Foster, Walsh, Catania, Taylor.