Newark Town manager Luke Parsons praises best performance of the season after Ryan Smith’s hat-trick in 4-1 United Counties League Premier Division North win over Hucknall Town
Manager Luke Parsons feels Newark Town took their game to another level at the weekend.
The Blues beat Hucknall 4-1 on Saturday to sit fourth in United Counties League Premier Division North.
Ryan Smith scored twice inside 10 minutes as Newark made a fast start against their managerless opponents, with boss Reece Limbert having resigned on Thursday morning.
Hucknall, with Chris Galley in caretaker charge, replied from the penalty spot after half-time but Sam Wright added the hosts’ third and Smith completed his hat-trick with four minutes remaining.
“The first half was probably the best we’ve played all season,” said Parsons.
“We had a flying start. To be fair, with what had happened at Hucknall, we made it our aim to have a fast start.
“We felt if we could go out and get an early goal or two then their confidence would be rock-bottom and that’s what we did.
“You never know what’s going to happen when you play a team after the manager’s left.
“Do they get that new manager bounce or do they go into turmoil? It’s a bit of an unknown.
“We wanted to make sure it was about us, we knew our confidence was high and we didn’t want to give them a chance to get their confidence up.
“We wanted to take the game to them and we did that from the start. The first 35 minutes was breathtaking - we’d have beaten most teams on the day playing like that.
“We gave away a penalty in the second half, which was a bit controversial where a few of our lads had stopped, thinking the ball was out, and the linesman thought otherwise.
“That can change the game but we got our third and then Ryan completed his hat-trick at the end.”
Smith, having bagged two early goals, had to wait a long time for his third.
But it was richly deserved for a player who’s played a big part in Newark’s fine first season at Step 5.
“Ryan could have had six or seven on the day,” said Parsons.
“He had three really good chances to complete his hat-trick before he did, which the keeper saved.
“He showed that determination at the end and got what he deserved.
“He’s an important player for us. He’s a goalscoring machine.
“He works hard first and foremost and when he gets chances, he usually takes them. He’s been playing really well.”
Newark are due in League Cup action at home to Retford United on Wednesday. They host Shirebrook in the league on Saturday (3pm) and Hucknall again in the Notts Senior Cup next Wednesday (7.45pm).
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Josh Wilson has been ruled out for eight weeks after suffering a dislocated shoulder in Newark’s FA Vase win over Belper a fortnight ago.
“Luckily, he didn’t require an operation, so that was a positive,” said Parsons.
“We’ve been told eight weeks, so we’re probably looking at another seven.”
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