Newing feels Enfield were 'very unlucky' against Kingstonian (From Enfield Independent)

Steve Newing felt his Enfield Town side were 'very unlucky' against Kingstonian

10:58am Tuesday 19th February 2013 in Sport

Steve Newing admitted Enfield Town’s 1-1 draw against promotion hopefuls Kingstonian felt "like a defeat" after the Towners conceded an injury time equaliser.

In an even opening 45 minutes, Newing’s side went ahead as Scott McGleish confidently fired home a penalty.

The second period began in controversial fashion as Enfield were reduced to ten men. A long ball forward was not dealt with by the Towners’ defence and Joe O’Brien brought down Andre McCollin.

The referee deemed the defender had denied a goalscoring opportunity and O’Brien was dismissed.

Kingstonian failed to make their numerical advantage count for the majority of the contest and it seemed Enfield had done enough to secure victory.

However, in stoppage time, Paul Vines found space in the Enfield box and smashed the ball home to seal a point for the visitors.

Newing praised his side’s work-rate and determination but was disappointed the Towners couldn’t come away with the win.

He said: "It was a good point. We put in another good performance and worked really hard across the pitch. The first half was very end to end and if the score was 4-4 at half time then it would have been a fair reflection on the game.

"The contest changed completely after the break when we went down to ten men. I didn’t think it was a red at the time and I have had a look at the video that we have and I still don’t think it was a red card.

"We will be sending the video to the FA and hopefully it will be overturned because I thought it was a little bit harsh.

"But even with ten men for the majority of the second half, we worked even harder and were very unlucky at the end that they have scored.

"If I had been offered a point before the game then I would’ve taken it but they way we lost it felt a little bit like a defeat given how well we played."

After a difficult end to 2012 and an indifferent start to 2013, the Towners form has improved in recent weeks and they have taken seven points from their last four matches.

It has alleviated the pressure on the Towners at the bottom of the division and they are currently six points above the drop zone.

Newing stressed though that his side can’t relax and Enfield must continue to battle for every point.

He said: "We have stopped conceding as many goals recently and because of that we are not having to chase games and over commit players.

"Since that game against Carshalton Athletic at the beginning of January, we have won three matches, drawn one and lost two.

"As long as we can keep putting the same amount of effort into our matches, keep the same work-rate up then hopefully that should be enough for us."

The Towners take on Lowestoft Town this weekend and Newing is anticipating an entertaining contest between the two sides.

He added: "Lowestoft are a very good side. They have lost in the last two playoff finals and they were expected to be one of the sides challenging for the league title at the beginning of the season.

"They are the best supported side and will definitely finish in the playoffs. It should be an entertaining game but we are not expected to do anything there.

"We will be able to go there and play freely because the pressure will be on them because they are expected to win the game."