FAWLEY AFC played their first game back on home soil on Saturday following the shock mid-December closure of the Waterside Sports & Social Club.

With floodlights remaining an issue, the Oilers agreed a 2pm kick-off with visitors Newport IoW and the sides battled out a 1-1 Sydenhams Premier draw.

There were still no social facilities open, but Fawley ensured their guests were well catered for.

“People were happy for us to use the ground, but the one issue was the floodlights. Until we know the way forward with the Sports & Social Club, they didn’t want bigger than normal usage of electricity," explained Fawley chairman Kevin Mitchell.

“Newport kindly agreed to an early kick-off and, luckily, it wasn’t a really gloomy day.

“We had changing rooms and showers, refreshments at the ground and we gave Newport sandwiches to take away with them for the ferry journey home.

“We provided everything to meet Wessex League standards.

"The only real change for the players is that instead of getting together in the clubhouse afterwards, we go to a local pub.

“I’m convinced sport will continue there. Apart from a slight issue with the floodlights, the only other thing we want is a place for our players and the social club members to relax and socialise after games.”

With young Lewis Wright impressing, Newport took the lead on 35 minutes through Joe Butcher only to have Spike Pearce red-carded shortly before half-time.

Fawley hit the woodwork through Pete Keating and eventually made their numerical advantage count when Dylan Gain levelled on 74 minutes.

“A draw was probably a fair result,” reflected Mitchell.

“That’s two good draws in a row for us. Taking a point off Newport and one off Sholing is not to be sniffed at.”

Fawley are third-to-bottom, a point clear of 21st-placed Whitchurch United (Luke Walker, 2) who drew 2-2 at home to Horndean (Robbie Tambling, Mark Smith).

Verwood Town (James Bergin) still prop up the table after a 2-1 defeat to Cowes Sports (Jordan Browne, Oliver Wilson) at Potterne Park.

Fawley are due to host Cowes this Saturday (January 21) and are trying to arrange another early kick-off.