NEWPORT IoW are officially an Island-owned club again - thanks to their fans.

Newport Football Club Supporters' Society Ltd are celebrating after successfully acquiring the 51 per cent majority shareholding from Portsmouth-based business Bill Manuel.

The board of the Supporters' Trust made an improved offer for the shares just before Christmas, having had an initial bid rejected. This time it was accepted and the completion of the handover adds to an exciting week for the Ryman Division 1 club who expect to attract a large crowd tomorrow for the visit of leaders AFC Wimbledon.

Since Manuel plunged the club into receivership just over a year ago and their St George's Park home was subsequently sold to South Coast Leisure, Newport have been in a state of limbo.

But, with their former chairman and owner now officially off the scene, Port hope it will attract new investment.

During his break from Winchester City, wealthy businessman David Malone showed interest in getting involved but it's believed he was put off by the spectre of Manuel lurking in the background.

A statement from the NFC Supporters Society Ltd. said: "The Supporters' Trust board, along with a number of supporters, have been aware of the reluctance of local businesses and individuals to support their local club while the intentions of the majority shareholder were unclear.

"Thankfully the purchase of this shareholding will finally allow local people to contribute to the club's future. This may be as a spectator, an advertiser or indeed as an investor in restoring this great club as a genuinely community-based club."

Manager John Linington hopes to have Leigh Cole (dead leg) and Lee Wood (hamstring) back tomorrow while French striker Olamide Dedegbe needed treatment on a groin strain after limping out of Saturday's 1-0 home defeat by Hastings.

Conference South strugglers Havant & Waterlooville were beaten 2-1 by leaders Grays last night - the winning goal coming in the dying seconds.

Havant had taken the lead in the first half when top scorer Dean Holdsworth converted a penalty. But Grays, who host Havant in the FA Trophy fourth round on February 5, equalised before half-time.

Havant had Shaun Wilkinson sent off for a second caution on 67 minutes.

Bashley face a potential shortage of strike power for tonight's Hampshire Senior Cup quarter-final at home to Wessex outfit Gosport Borough.

Top scorer Richard Gillespie limped out of Saturday's 5-1 defeat by Cray Wanderers complaining of hamstring trouble and Eastleigh loan striker James Stokoe was sent for an x-ray after taking a hefty whack on the foot.

ANDY Mason has been sacked as manager of Wessex strugglers Portland United. Assistant Mick Greeno has also been dismissed.