ANDY Sampson has stepped down as manager of Sydenhams Premier Division outfit Newport IW.

His resignation comes in the wake of Monday’s feisty 2-0 defeat to Cowes Sports in the Isle of Wight derby.

He leaves the club sitting 16th in the Wessex top flight with four points from their first five games.

Chairman Stuart Ross said: “On behalf of Newport IW FC, we would like to thank Andy Sampson for his time, dedication and commitment to the club.

“Andy has been a leader throughout his time as first-team manager.

“I know the whole squad are grateful for the opportunities Andy has given them.

“We wish Andy all the very best of luck for the future.”

Senior players Gary Streeter and Darren Powell will take charge of the team for the next few matches, starting at Brockenhurst on Saturday.

Sampson had been Newport manager since April 2015. He briefly stepped down in May this year but, after the club had resolved some “internal administrative matters", Port said he would be staying on for 2017/18.

Monday’s 2-0 defeat at Cowes saw Port finish the game with nine men for the second time in three days, having had two sent off against Andover Town on Saturday.

Sub Oliver Wilson got his marching orders for a dangerous tackle within three minutes of going on at Westwood Park and Sampson’s defender son Scott later saw red for an alleged elbow offence.