Crickhowell show six appeal (From Free Press Series)

Crickhowell show six appeal

CRICKHOWELL tightened their grip at the top of Gwent Central League Division One with a thumping 6-1 victory over Lower New Inn at The Ruffetts.

The game was settled in the first 15 minutes as the league leaders raced into a 3-0 lead. Matthew Stevens opened the scoring following a corner after five minutes. Dave Walters made it 2-0 when he converted a Graham Mason cross and Walters pounced again to make it 3-0.

Lower New Inn's manager John Wells had some strong words with his team at half-time and Justin Arandjelovic headed in from a Tim Lane corner to make it 3-1 shortly after the restart. But that was as close as it got as further Crickhowell strikes by Craig Bennett, Graham Mason and Matthew Stevens made the final score 6-1. Owain Jones was man of the match for Crickhowell while Lower New Inn's star man was Allan Samson.

Goytre moved off the bottom of Division One with a well-earned 3-1 victory over Usk Town. The sides were level 1-1 at half time but an improved second-half display by the home side gave them the three points.

Goytre's goal scorers were Mark Langford, Andy Walsh and Ian Rosser.

Danial Bevan scored for Usk Town. Goalkeeper Richard Minor was Goytre's star performer while Usk's Jeremy Barton was their man of the match.

Llanarth and Govilon shared a six-goal thriller with all the goals coming in the first half.

Peter Maddocks gave Llanarth an early lead and this was doubled by David Dwyer after 34 minutes. Govilon hit back immediately through a Jamie Wilkins header and they were soon level at 2-2 when Dean Morgan got on the scoresheet. The home side then went in front for the first time when Wilkins claimed his second of the match. But Paul Rennie levelled for Llanarth just before the break. Despite chances, neither side could get a winner in the second half. Llanarth's star player was Justin Harris while Jamie Wilkins got the vote for Govilon. The Division One games between Blaenavon and Panteg and Cwmffrwdoer and Clydach were victims of Saturday's wet weather. In Division Two, leaders Prescoed cruised to an 8-1 win over Mardy B.

Man of the match Steve Williams scored a hat-trick while their other goals came from Grant Watkins (2), Michael Smith, John Parry and Lee Cullen. Craig Phillips scored Mardy B's consolation goal. He was also their star player.

Fairfield United remain seventh after a 2-1 victory over Usk Town B thanks to a Daly Whitcombe effort and an own goal by Stuart McCracken. Usk's goal was scored by Robert Morris from the penalty spot.

Mike Harper was Fairfield's man of the match while the Usk vote went to John Lloyd.

Pontypool Town B came out on top in the basement battle with Llanarth B. They won 2-1 with goals from Chris Daynton and Richard Wakeling. Llanarth's goal was scored by Paul Detheridge. Steve Williams was Pontypool's man of the match while Neil Harris was Llanarth's star man. Crickhowell B made it a club double on Saturday after beating Abergavenny Thursdays 4-2. Chris Lusted scored twice with Alun Jones and Dan Haymond also on the scoresheet. Ross Fury scored for the Thursdays while an own goal by Matt Young completed the scoring.