Mardy looking to bounce back (From Free Press Series)

Mardy looking to bounce back

WITH no football games played on the weekend because of Wales' game against England the Free Press looks ahead to all this weekend's local action.

Mardy go into this weekend's Gwent County Division One game at home to Coed Eva looking to bounce back after that shock 2-1 defeat away at Undy Athletic two weeks ago.

Manager Gavin Butler read his men the riot act after the game slamming their commitment. Two weeks on he's had time to reflect urging the side to get back to playing football for enjoyment.

"We'll be looking to amend things and pick things up. We do need to stop this habit of winning a game and then losing one, but more important than anything the lads have to enjoy playing the game.

"That's what it's all about," he said.

Mardy will be without experienced keeper Tom Indge who is suspended after being sent off in the game against Undy. Kirk Richards is likely to be his replacement. The match kicks off at 3pm.

Welsh League side Goytre play two important away games in succession and chairman Paul Greenhalgh is hoping they can at least pick up some points from both games.

The club hasn't got off to the greatest of starts this term and defeats against Fields Park this Saturday and Newcastle Emlyn the following weekend would be disastrous.

Both clubs are below Goytre in the table and Greenhalgh reckons they have the ability to get something out of the two games.

"These are an important couple of matches for us. Ideally we'd like to get six points, but the main thing is not to lose," he said.

This weekend's match at Fields Park kicks off at 3pm.

l Work has begun on the club's new hospitality lounge and should be completed by Christmas. The project is costing £30,000.

Abergavenny Thursdays will be without their top goalscorer for the visit of Pontymister this Saturday.

Striker Shane Barry is suspended after picking up a red card in a previous game. The Pen-y-Pound side is also without keeper Jamie McKindo due to work commitments.

Thursdays have been unbeaten with the skilled keeper in goal, but have lost two matches without him. Corey Thomas will take his place.

Experienced midfielder Mike Pengelly could return to the starting line-up after being out for a couple of games with a shoulder injury.

Manager Bill Mainwaring said it was important the club won all its home games.

"If we can win at home and pick up a few points on the road you're always in with a chance," he said.

The Gwent County Division Three match kicks off this Saturday at the Pen-y-Pound Stadium at 3pm.