Newport (IoW) manager Steve Brougham believes his side underlined their title credentials after Saturday’s 1-1 draw in the top of the table clash against Sholing at the Silverlake Arena.

Newport sit top of the Sydenhams Premier Division after Iain Seabrook’s penalty cancelled out Byron Mason’s opener to end Sholing’s 100 per cent home record this season, writes Tim Prescott.

Brougham said: “I think today’s performance and result has made a bit of a statement as we have shown that we can come and compete against a very strong side.

“Sholing were always going to be a threat and they battered us early on but we weathered the storm and in the end were in control of the game and thoroughly deserved the point.”

Sholing started in dominant fashion with Lee Wort and Mason both being denied by brilliant Gary Streeter saves before the veteran keeper was finally beaten by Mason’s deflected 24th minute strike.

The Boatmen continued to press and twice came within inches of doubling their lead when Wort glanced a header onto the post and Barry Mason smashed against the upright either side of the break.

Sholing manager Dave Diaper felt his side’s profligacy cost them the three points.

“It was disappointing not to win because we had enough chances to have had the game won by half-time but I can’t fault the players because they have given me everything today,” he added.

Newport’s revival coincided with the introduction of substitute John McKie in the 65th minute.

Brougham revealed: “John was close to starting but we are easing him in after a long-term injury and we thought he could make a difference from the bench today; fortunately enough he did just that.”

The lively McKie helped draw Newport level as he was brought down by Danny Cox which allowed former Sholing midfielder Iain Seabrook to confidently score from the spot with 17 minutes left.

Diaper said: “The referee got the decision wrong as their player went down too easily and it shouldn’t have been a penalty.

“In the end a point is a good result as the game became quite stretched at the end but our unbeaten record keeps going.”

The result means Newport retain their place at the top of the Sydenham’s Premier Division ahead of Winchester City on goal difference, with Sholing a point behind in third position.