Dartmouth Cup

Newton 66 1, Dartmouth 3

An excellent performance from Dartmouth in the divisional cup was soured by an unintentional error by manager Gary Lobb, who was unaware that recent signing Liam McAuley was ineligible for the tie.

Lobb was informed of the rule after the game had finished, and McAuley's appearance and two goals resulted in Newton 66 taking Dartmouth's place in the next round.

The game itself was played in high winds, with Lee Haywood making his first appearance for the visitors with Jordan Frost at the heart of the defence.

Chances were few in the opening stages, although Mark Sneap was looking threatening on the left of midfield. Dartmouth came closest to scoring on the 20th minute, Mark Forrester's free kick brushing the crossbar.

Playing into the wind in the first half favoured the away side, although the hosts were dealing well with the attacking threat of Sneap, McAuley and Broadway.

However, after 35 minutes the first goal was scored in bizarre circumstances when McAuley's effort from the edge of the box evaded the Newton goalkeeper before floating into the net.

At half time Lobb insisted that Dartmouth continue to push and replicate their first-half display, and the visitors took their manager's advice with some

clinical finishing.

Five minutes into the second half good play by Scott Mcroy and Liam Ford gave McAuley the chance to double his tally, rifling in from a tight angle.

Defenders Freddie Smith, Jordan Frost, Haywood and Ryan Frost had to stand firm to preserve their lead, which ensured Sam Davies in the Dartmouth goal was kept relatively quiet.

Ten minutes later it was 0-3. Persistent play from Forrester saw Broadway slot home. Soon after Eric Thompson came on for Ford to help ensure his team progressed.

There was time for a Newton consolation at the end of the game, when a long-range strike dipped over the head of Davies.

Dartmouth's solid performance, though, did not win them a place in the next round of the cup. Lobb's honest error was punished by the officials, who removed the visitors from the competition.

Dartmouth reserves still await their first game since mid-December, as their tie at South Brent reserves fell foul of the weather.

The game will be brought forward to this week for a 2pm kick-off, while the first team travel to Buckland Athletic in the league. Kick-off is at 2.30pm.