BLACKFIELD & Langley boss John Robson sees tonight’s visit of Hamworthy United as a “must-win” game if the Watersiders are to stay in touch with the Sydenhams Premier elite.

But what concerns him most after Saturday’s 3-2 setback at Newport IoW is that, since the departure of top gun Jamie Musselwhite to AFC Portchester, they lack potency in front of goal.

Blackfield took the lead after two minutes on the Island when Ekow Elliott was left unmarked to head home a far-post corner.

They then penned Newport in their own half for long periods but, against the run of play, Scott Jones turned the game on its head with two goals inside a minute. Michael Durdey made it 2-2 from the penalty spot after Jack Satterley had been upended but, despite dominating the second half, Blackfield were undone on 79 minutes when a free-kick by set-piece maestro Iain Seabrook was deflected in.

“Even Newport people were saying we played them off the park football-wise, but it’s about taking chances,” said Robson. “It doesn’t help at all that we’ve lost Jamie Musselwhite, we miss him terribly.

“Jack Sattlerley’s not really fit yet, but he’ll take a shot from wherever he is and he did that on Saturday, but he’s missed a really good chance for us. He got up at the back post and was a free agent two yards off the line, but he’s headed over.

“Ekow Elliott walked off the pitch and said: ‘I’ve had two tap-ins and didn’t score’ and Danny Young said the same.

“We tore their full-backs apart, got good balls in but didn’t finish our chances.”

The result shot Newport up to third, leaving Blackfield sixth, seven points adrift of league leaders Moneyfields.

“Tonight’s a must-win game for us if we’re to stay in touch with the guys above,” said Robson. “We need to go on a run like we did at the start of the season.

“I’d like to field the same side three or four games running, but we haven’t had that opportunity yet with the injuries we’ve had to people like Joey Byrne and Richard Jackson.

“But, saying that, I wouldn’t take any credit away from the people who’ve beaten us.”

Reflecting on Newport’s victory, Island boss Steve Brougham said: “To be fair to Blackfield & Langley, they were the better side in the second half, but we’ve learnt for the first time this season to dig in there. Sometimes you can’t do your pretty stuff.

“Blackfield are a really good side, they play some really good football, so it was a big victory for us.”

Newport host Bournemouth Poppies tonight before travelling to the division’s only unbeaten club, Whitchurch United, on Saturday. Whitchurch bowed out of the FA Vase 3-2 after extra time at Chippenham Park on Sunday – ex-Sholing pair Ryan Lambert and Jamie Mansell on target.