Panteg in cup run (From Free Press Series)

Panteg in cup run

PANTEG moved into the third round of the Gwent Amateur Cup on Saturday after a thrilling encounter with Monmouth Town.

Division 1 side Panteg came out on top 4-2 but coach Paul Thomas was quick to praise the efforts of their Division 3 opposition.

"This was an entertaining game and Monmouth certainly played their part. In fact if Mark Eves hadn't pulled off a couple of great saves for us, things could have been different."

The victory keeps Panteg's impressive unbeaten run going and Thomas is hoping the excellent form can continue next weekend when the team returns to league action away at struggling Undy Athletic.

Striker Lee Gwilliam was again among the goals on Saturday as he opened the scoring against Monmouth.

His brother Nick, a left-sided midfielder, doubled the advantage with the goal of the game before Monmouth hit back to make it 2-1.

Mark Taylor restored the two-goal advantage but the plucky visitors made it 3-2 just before half-time.

Ben Gifford completed the scoring to see Panteg into the third round. "It was a good performance and a cracking game and I can see why Monmouth are at the top of Division 3. They looked dangerous and were very hard-working. We couldn't afford to relax.

"Judging from that performance, I think Monmouth could easily handle life in Division 1."

Thomas says the next two league games will help shape the rest of Panteg's season. After travelling to Undy, they play Clydach Wasps.