NEW COLLEGE'S dreams of a South West Counties Cup final appearance were shattered after a last-four defeat at the hands of Newport County on Saturday.

The Welsh side triumphed 3-0 at Supermarine, although the scoreline flattered the visitors after an even contest.

Both sides played some attractive football in difficult wet and windy conditions but it was the South West Counties League leaders who proved the more clinical in front of goal.

Neither team created any clear-cut chances in the opening 20 minutes and although New College forced several corners they could not make the breakthrough.

The opening goal for the visitors followed a defensive slip and keeper Bizley was left exposed on 31 minutes. Several surging runs by David Pratt and Terry Bohane continued to put pressure on the Newport defence but Delve was equal to anything the College side could produce and the score remained 1-0 at the interval.

The College side dominated the second half as the visitors tried to play on the counter attack.

A free-kick by Dixey on 53 minutes was well saved and further pressure resulted in excellent efforts by Bohane, Pratt and Matt Chamberlain who were all denied by Delve.

With the tireless Chris Flanagan and Jordan King working hard in midfield it seemed that a goal would be inevitable and unfortunately for the College side it was at the wrong end as a freak goal from a hopeful cross found its way into the top corner to put them 2-0 down.

This was harsh on the home team and a double substitution was made with John Edmonds and Ashley Whitbread introduced to replace the excellent Mark Chatwin and Chamberlain.

More pressure was applied to the Newport goal but Delve was again equal to everything that came his way.

In the last minute an attempted clearance by Pratt skewed into the corner off a post to add to the home side's misery and give the final scoreline a distorted feel.

College spokesman Gary Else said: "Unfortunately we did not win but the scoreline flattered Newport County and did not really reflect the game.

"However it was an achivement against a side that trains full-time and has provided already several players into Newport's first team."

The Welshmen face Aldershot Town in the final after they beat Bath City 7-3 in the other semi.

New College entertain Salisbury City in the league on December 30.