East Gwent League round-up (From Free Press Series)

East Gwent League round-up

Division One

After recent cup action it was a relief to see some good league games.

Tintern Abbey travelled to Sudbrook Cricket Club A and battled out a 2-2 draw. Rory Pettyjohn should have put Tintern 1-0 up at half time but his Beckham-style scuff and slip penalty sailed over the Sudbrook bar leaving the first half at a stalemate 0-0.

The second half got under way with both teams playing more committed football, which led to Tintern losing Ben Mackie to a red card.

But Tintern's outlook remained unchanged and they continued their quest forward for glory.

And Colin Jefferies got the breakthrough after 70 minutes with a quick flick and solo volley, as he sent a Premiership-style lob over the stretching Mal Hawker, in the Sudbrook goal, and into the back of the net.

Rory Aldritt then neatly swept in a right-foot drive passed Matty McDaid in the Tintern goal a minute later to level the scores at 1-1.

In the 75th minute, Sudbrook had their turn at a penalty kick. Carl Arthur stepped forward and he also missed, scuffing the ball into McDaid's diving hands.

The final minutes were nail-biting. Andrew Maine stroked the ball into Tintern's goal after 89 minutes which left the Abbey looking at their first defeat of the season in all competitions.

But the brave ten men from the forest never gave up and were rewarded with an goal from Gordon Devoir, the Sudbrook captain, with seconds remaining to level the scores at 2-2. This keeps Tintern still top of the league undefeated.

Underwood A kept the pace up at home to Portskewett A and easily defeated them 10-2. Bowen Jones (5), Jamie Gatlan (2), Danny Guerra and James McManus all scored for Underwood, while Daniel Baugh netted a rare brace for Portskewett A.

Caldicot Town thanked Barry Lapham for his wonder strike and Chris Hourihane for his hat-trick along with Ray Jeremiah, Gareth Huntley and keeper Gareth Blackburn for their goals in the 7-0 home win against Cross Hop.

Division Two

In Division Two, Underwood B remained top dogs with a 6-3 away win at Portskewett B.

Ryan Green (3), David Rees, Keiron Gettings and Lee Ryder netted for the league leaders while Bryan James, David Watkins and a 30-yard deflected free-kick from Steve Henderson completed the Portskewett B scorers.

Second placed Chepstow Athletic secured a 3-1 home win against last season's league winners Castle A. Ian Windsor, Carl Bailey and Gavin Thomas their scorers.

Thornwell Burnt Barn had a tricky derby game against neighbours Bulwark but eventually came out on top 3-1, Dan O'Regan scoring Bulwark's only effort.

A fine solo effort from Jamie Davies kept Mathern Wanderers' season alive with a 1-1 draw against cup specialists Undy Athletic B - see reports alongside.

Finally, credit must go to Castle B who secured only their second league win of the season with a 2-1 away win at Monmouth Town B who are just above them at the bottom of the league. Adam Cleaves thumped home Monmouth's only goal - picture, back page.