Vital win as Town look for late escape (From Free Press Series)

Vital win as Town look for late escape

MONMOUTH Town assistant manager Andrew Lewis is hoping his side has at last turned the corner after Saturday's 5-1 pasting of Llanhilleth Athletic.

Town had been rooted to the bottom of the Gwent County Division Two table, but four points from their last two games have dragged the strugglers off that feared spot and into a good position to mount a final surge for mid-table safety.

Town only have a handful of games left to do that, but a buoyant Lewis was in no mood to contemplate the difficulties ahead instead preferring to salute his side's best display of the season so far.

"We were awesome," said Lewis after the win. "Everyone played well and there were no individuals out there - this was a true team display.

"Everyone supported each other out on the field and gave 110 percent. You just couldn't have asked for anything more from the lads."

New signing Andrew Smith from semi-professional side Clevedon got his first goal for the club as Town defied their league standing with an inspiring display in front of goals.

Strike of the day easily went to Dave Vaughan's diving header off a Jack Alydice cross. The pair hit two more goals to seal a fantastic win for the club though there is still plenty of work to do if Town are to keep their destiny in their own hands.

"Confidence is now very high in the camp, but we know there is still lots to do," said Lewis "The advantage we have now though is a new found belief in the side.

"We're peaking at the right time and we've definitely turned a corner. What I'm hoping for now is that we can keep turning it and luck continues to fall our way," he added.

Town will be looking for another towering display from centre half Alan Powell this weekend at home to Tranch.

"The tough defender put in a sterling display against Llanhilleth with a string of courageous tackles.

"He was excellent and made my job in goal a whole lot easier," said Lewis.

"It was nice to not worry about making any mistakes because we had such a big lead. I was surprised by the scoreline. I knew we could win, but not by that much.

"The squad is playing as a team now and we're focused on the challenge ahead. I always said we had what it takes to succeed and although we're far from safe yet I still believe we'll stay up this season," insisted Lewis.

Saturday's match kicks off at the Monmouth Sports Ground at 3pm.