Danny Holmes’ first defeat as manager of Vauxhall Motors came on Saturday afternoon, as his side narrowly lost away at Newcastle Town.

It was a frustrating ninety minutes at a cold Lyme Valley Stadium as the Motormen created the majority of the chances but were unable to convert any.

Before the game, two signings were announced as Lewis Willingham and Jason Akiotu went straight into the match day squad. Akiotu started from the off but Willingham remained on the bench.

The Motormen started strongly as a header from defender Adam Hughes was fired over the crossbar.

However, the hosts soon edged themselves in front as Dan Cockerline drove a low shot into the bottom corner with seven minutes played.

Aiming to get themselves back into the game, the visitors full-back Ethan Gouldbourne got incredibly close to levelling the scoreline with a header before midfielder Ben Holmes’ chance was saved well by Newcastle keeper Joseph Slinn.

Danny Holmes’ side would go into the break one goal down.

The hosts looked to extend their lead in the second half as Vauxhall keeper Ally Hughes was called upon to make two saves in quick succession.

Bringing some fresh energy onto the pitch, Holmes sent on the experienced Craig Curran to replace Connor Harwood on the hour mark.

However, despite tempers being flared on two seperate occasions as two red cards were awarded – one for Vauxhall striker Lewis Buckley, there were limited goal scoring opportunities created late on.

Vauxhall are back in action on Tuesday night as they host Mossley at The VanEupen Arena. Newcastle Town have rose to eleventh.

Newcastle Town FC, managed by Paul Moore: Joseph Slinn, Jack Derbyshire, Oliver Ritchie, Tommy Van Der Laan, Joshua Jordan, Roman Allen, Kingsley Adugyamfi, Jack Van Der Laan, Daniel Cockerline, Daniel Thompson-Edwards, Callum Speed. SUBS: Joseph Berks, Patryk Mazurkiewicz, Thomas Jones, Isaac Graham, Reinaldo Forbes. ‬

Vauxhall Motors FC, managed by Danny Holmes: ‪Ally Hughes, Bobby Beaumont, Jason Akiotu, Ethan Gouldbourne, Adam Hughes, Haydn Cooper, Will Dunne, Sean Moscrop (67’), Conor Harwood (61’), Ben Holmes, Joe Brandon. SUBS: Craig Curran (61’), George Nugent, Jordan Deer, Lewis Willow, Lewis Buckley (67’).